EAU CLAIRE, Wis. (blugolds.com) – The UW-Eau Claire women's basketball team took down UW-Whitewater on the road Wednesday night, defeating the Warhawks, 64-58.
The Blugolds took control from the start, jumping out to a 17-7 lead five minutes into the game. The Warhawks would mount a comeback to pull within two, but Eau Claire went on a 12-2 run to close out the half, highlighted by a three at the buzzer, giving the Blugolds a 37-27 lead at the break.
UW-Eau Claire shot 56 percent in the first half, but was held to just 32 percent in the second, allowing the Warhawks to remain within striking distance throughout the second period.
The Warhawks were able to pull within one with eight minutes remaining the second half, but Eau Claire went on to score 10 of the next 12 points to take a 56-47 lead with 2:42 left to play.
The Warhawks continued to fight back, coming with two, but the Blugolds converted from the free throw line to seal the victory, 64-58.
For the game, the Blugolds shot 44 percent from the field while holding the Warhawks to 39 percent.
The Blugolds had a balanced scoring attack with four players hitting double figures. Teenie Lichtfuss (Jr. Oshkosh, Wis.) and Kristin Sahr (Sr.-Stillwater, MN) paced Eau Claire with 12 and 11 points, respectively, while Courtney Lewis (Sr. Prairie du Chien, Wis.) and Madison Johnson (Jr.-Oseola, WI) each added 10. Ellen Blacklock (So.-Winona, MN) made her presence felt in the paint, rejecting five Warhawk shots.
The Blugolds (9-6, 4-2 WIAC) will travel to Oshkosh on Saturday to take on the Titans at 7 p.m.
-JM-