EAU CLAIRE, Wis. (Blugolds.com)-The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire women's basketball team opened their second round of WIAC play as they hosted the University of Wisconsin-Stout Blue Devils on Saturday evening. The Blugolds beat the Blue Devils, 80-63.
On alumni weekend in front of a great home crowd, the Blugolds wanted to start the second round of conference play with a great win. From the tip-off, they did just that. After two minutes of play, the Blugolds obtained a lead, and never let the Blue Devils catch back up. Eau Claire held their largest lead of 30 points deep into the third period.
It wasn't just offensive scoring that won the game for Eau Claire. The Blugolds managed to out-rebound UW Stout, 54-34. On the defensive end, Eau Claire only gave up three third quarter points, which came at the end of a 22-0 run to start the second half.
The game's leading scorer was Erin O'Toole (So.-Plymouth, MN/Hopkins) with 30 points (10-11 free-throws). Madison Johnson (Sr.-Osceola, WI/Osceola) had a double-double, with 15 points and 17 rebounds. While Teenie Lichtfuss (Sr.-Oshkosh, WI/Lourdes) also contributed 17 points and 7 rebounds on the night.
The Blugolds (9-10, 4-4 WIAC) will be back in action at home on Wednesday, February 3rd for their Youth Night as they host UW-River Falls. Tip-off is set for 7:00pm in Zorn Arena.
