By Alex Richert, UWEC Sports Information
EAU CLAIRE, Wis. (blugolds.com) – Hallee Hoeppner (Jr. – Winona, MN) poured in a career-high 31 points as the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire women's basketball team added another win to their record Wednesday night with a victory over the Carleton Knights, 75-54.
After a deficit of 14 points in the first quarter, the Blugolds outscored the Knights by a score of 26-12 to take the lead by a single point at the half. Eau Claire's ability to force turnovers (13) contributed to 17 of their 39 points in the first half.
The Blugolds carried their momentum into the second half, outscoring the Knights by a score of 17-6 in the third quarter. Eau Claire was able to increase their lead in the fourth quarter to seal the victory.
Eau Claire's defense stepped up in the second half allowing only 15 total points with the offense producing 36. While the Knights shot 60 percent from the floor in the first half, the Blugold defense held Carleton to 23.5 percent in the second half.
Along with her career-high 31 points, Hoeppner also had a game-high 10 rebounds to earn her third double-double of the season. Brooke Harris (Jr. – Green Bay, WI/Bay Port) and Ellie Clayton (Fr. – Lakeville, MN/Farmington) also tallied double-digit points in the contest with 14 and 11, respectively.
The Blugold's took advantage of turnovers with 30 points from turnovers, while only enabling five points to the Knights. Eau Claire also scored 17 second-chance points versus the Knights single second-chance point.
Eau Claire (6-2) will be back in action Saturday as they host St. Catherine University at 3 p.m. in Zorn Arena. Follow the action on Blugold Game Day or on the 'UWEC Blugolds' app on your mobile device.