EAU CLAIRE, Wis. (Blugolds.com) – The UW-Eau Claire women's basketball team returned to their winning ways Wednesday night, defeating UW-River Falls 69-64 in Zorn Arena.
Eau Claire fell behind early, but worked their way to a three-point half time lead, 27-24.
The Blugolds started out slow, shooting only 30 percent (nine-of-30) and 10 percent (one-of 10) from the three point line in the first half.
The Falcons were also nine-of-30 from the field but were three-of-11 (27.3 percent) from three.
The second half started with River Falls again taking control early, but after trading baskets and several lead changes and ties, seniors Kristin Sahr (Sr. Stillwater, Minn.) and Courtney Lewis (Sr. Prairie du Chien, Wis.) stepped up and hit key three-pointers to give the Blugolds the lead.
River Falls sent Eau Claire to the free throw line to stop the clock, but the Blugolds were a perfect from the free throw line to secure the win. For the half, Eau Claire was 14-of-14 from the line and 22-of-23 for the game.
The Blugolds shot 38.2 percent from the field and 26.3 percent from deep, but their defense held River Falls to 39 percent from the field and 30 percent for three.
Lewis led the way, scoring a game-high and season-high 27 points to go with six rebounds and five assists. The senior was seven-of-13 from the field and three-of-three from behind the arc while knocking down all 10 of her free throw attempts.
Sophomore Ellen Blacklock (So. Winona, Minn.) recorded a double-double with 11 points and 10 rebounds and also tallied three blocks.
Sahr and Teenie Lichtfuss (Jr. Oshkosh, Wis.) both scored nine in the winning effort.
Eau Claire moves to 15-9 (10-5 WIAC) and will play for the No. 2 seed in the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (WIAC) tournament when they host UW-Oshkosh (19-4, 11-3 WIAC) on Saturday, Feb. 21 at 7 p.m.
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