By Alex Richert, UWEC Sports Information
EAU CLAIRE, Wis. (blugolds.com) – A strong second half performance allowed the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire women's basketball team to close out Saturday's game with a victory over the St. Catherine Wildcats by a score of 63-53.
Despite a slow start for Eau Claire, they were only trailing by seven points going into the half. The Blugolds displayed solid inside defense, forcing the Wildcats to take 33 percent of their shots from behind the arc. Eau Claire came out strong in the second half as they went on a 11-2 run and they never looked back.
Three Blugolds scored in double digits with senior guard Maddie Dunathan (Sr. – Hortonville, WI) leading the way with a career-high 24 points. Hallee Hoeppner (Jr. – Winona, MN) followed with 14 while Kelsey Bakken (Jr. – Marshall, WI) chipped in 10.
Of her 24 points, Dunathan converted 16 points at the free-throw line including seven in the final minutes of the game to seal the win.
Hoeppner led Eau Claire on the glass and was one rebound shy of recording another double-double.
The Blugold defense allowed only two converted shots from behind the arc (2-15) during the second half. Eau Claire also made 90.9 percent of their free throws in the contest.
The Blugolds (7-2) will be off until their trip to Nashville for the Music City Classic Dec. 29-30 where Eau Claire will face St. Norbert College and Beloit College. Follow the action on Blugold Game Day or on the 'UWEC Blugolds' app on your mobile device.