SUPERIOR, Wis. (blugolds.com) – The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire women's basketball team earned a road win Tuesday night, defeating UW-Superior 74-60 at Mortorelli Gym.
Superior jumped out to an early lead, going on a 6-0 run to start the game. But a three-point play from Arien Brennan (Sr. – Hayward, WI) got the Blugolds rolling and back-to-back jumpers by Anna Graaskamp (Fr. – Eau Claire, WI/Memorial) gave Eau Claire their first lead of the game. However, the Yellowjackets came back with a 9-0 run to take back the lead and held 17-13 advantage at the end of the quarter.
Maddie Dunathan (So. – Hortonville, WI) started the second quarter with a three to pull the Blugolds within one and spark the Eau Claire offense. The Blugolds would out-score Superior 28-11 in the second quarter to take a 41-28 lead at the break.
It was a balanced attack as 12 Blugolds saw action in the first half with eight players contributing points. The Blugolds had a hot start, shooting 66.7 percent (14-21) from the floor and 85.7 percent (85.7) from the three-point line in the first half. Eau Claire also took advantage of Yellowjacket miscues, scoring eight points off turnovers.
Eau Claire maintained their lead to start the third quarter, but Superior mounted a comeback later in frame to pull within two at 43-41 with five minutes left. Brennan responded with a layup and a Bree Meier (Sr. –Lakeville, MN/South) three stopped the run and the Blugolds would take a 58-50 lead into the fourth quarter.
The Blugolds maintained control in the fourth quarter and hit free throws down the stretch to earn the 74-60 win. Eau Claire's bench played a key role in the second half, contributing 18 points, led by Elly Boles' (Jr. – Prescott, WI) eight second half points.
Eau Claire had a balanced scoring attack as four Blugolds hit double figures. Brennan led all scorers with 15 points while Boles tallied 12. Dunathan and Kayla Hanley (Jr. - Chippewa Falls, WI) scored 11 points, respectively.
For the game, the Blugolds shot 51.1 percent from the field (27-49), 50 percent (8-16) from behind the arc and 80 percent (12-15) from the free throw line.
The Blugolds (4-3) will be back in action Sunday, December 11 in Winona, Minn. as they take on Saint Mary's University at 3 p.m.
Follow all the action this season on Blugold Game Day.
