By Alex Richert, UWEC Sports Information
Eau Claire, Wis. (Blugolds.com) – The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire women's basketball dropped their third game in a row Saturday night, falling to UW-Stevens Point, 88-75.
The visiting Pointers made a fierce first impression, plopping 32 points in the first quarter and converting over 71 percent from the floor. The Stevens Point offense continued to succeed during the second quarter, but the Blugolds were able to lower the Pointers conversions from the floor by 15 percent but would still trail at the half, 58-35.
Eau Claire came out with their motors running and were able to keep the Pointers in check during the third quarter by only allowing 11 points. The defensive stand, however, was not enough for the Blugolds in the end as Stevens Point came away with the victory.
Eau Claire had five players produce double figures during the contest: Maddie Dunathan (Sr. – Hortonville, WI) (17), Katie Essen (So. – Farmington, MN/Rosemount) (16), Hallee Hoeppner (Jr. – Winona, MN) (13), Sydney Hazuga (Fr. – Eau Claire, WI/Memorial) (11), and Kelsey Bakken (Jr. – Marshall, WI) (11). Bakken had a team-high eight rebounds while Dunathan had a game-high seven assists.
The Blugolds struggled to defend the Pointers allowing over 50 percent from the floor and a remarkable 48 percent behind the arc. Eau Claire struggled shooting early but came back to shoot 41.3 percent from the floor. They were also out-rebounded 42 to 29.
Eau Claire (13-6, 4-4 WIAC) will look to get back to winning ways as they head to play UW-Platteville (9-10, 3-5 WIAC) at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, January 30. Follow the action on Blugold Game Day or on the 'UWEC Blugolds' app on your mobile device.