By Alex Richert, UWEC Sports Information
Eau Claire, Wis. (Blugolds.com) – Facing the University of Wisconsin-Stout at home on Saturday, the UW-Eau Claire women's basketball team fell short in high-scoring battle by a score of 81-76.
Eau Claire finished the first half with a three point lead over the Blue Devils, 34-31. Hallee Hoeppner (Jr. – Winona, MN) had a tremendous first half, accumulating 19 points, six rebounds, and three blocks. The Blugolds had a combined five blocks in the first half as well.
From start to finish, Eau Claire battled with the Blue Devils. Stout eventually took the lead late in the game and turnovers would hold the Blugolds back as the Blue Devils would take home the win.
Hoeppner tallied a new career-high, scoring 36 points and added 12 rebounds and four blocks to her stat line. Brooke Harris (Jr. – Green Bay, WI/Bay Port) also had a notable performance with eight points, eight assists, and 11 rebounds.
The Blugolds committed 19 turnovers in the loss compared to eight for the Blue Devils while shooting 43.5 percent (27-for-62) from the field and held Stout to 36.4 percent (28-for-77).
Eau Claire (13-4, 4-2 WIAC) will host No.12 UW-Oshkosh (15-2, 5-1 WIAC) at 7 p.m. on Wednesday January 23 for Youth Night. Follow the action on Blugold Game Day or on the 'UWEC Blugolds' app on your mobile device.