By Tommy McGowan, UWEC Sports Information
EAU CLAIRE, Wis. (blugolds.com) - The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire women's basketball defeated UW-Superior Monday night, 78-53.
The Blugolds built an early lead over the Yellow Jackets but by the end of the first quarter, they held a slim 23-21 advantage. Halle Hoeppner (Sr.-Winona, MN) helped lead the way for UWEC, with eight points in the quarter, while Anna Graaskamp (Sr.-Eau Claire, WI/Memorial) added seven.
Eau Claire had a great defensive performance in the second period, holding Superior to just six points. That helped them go on a 15-0 run to take control of the game, eventually going into halftime with a 45-27 lead.
Defense was again crucial for the Blugolds in the third quarter, as they once more held the Yellow Jackets to single digits in the period. They also spread the ball around on offense, with five different Blugolds getting on the scoreboard in the quarter.
The final period was neck-and-neck between the two teams, but Eau Claire's comfortable lead held firm. Hoeppner hit five straight free throws and nailed two three-pointers in the quarter to seal the victory.
Eau Claire finished the night shooting 53 percent from the field, while holding Superior to just 35 percent on the other end. They were able to build a dominant advantage on the boards, outrebounding the Yellow Jackets 40-24.
The Blugolds have now won seven of their eight games, improving their overall record 12-7 and their record in the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference to 6-2. That places them in second in the WIAC standings, behind only UW-Whitewater. They'll be back at Zorn Arena this Wednesday, February 5th, to face off with UW-Oshkosh. The game will tip off at 7 PM. Follow the action on Blugold Game Day or on the 'UWEC Blugolds' app from your mobile device.
