By Tommy McGowan, UWEC Sports Information
OSHKOSH, Wis. (blugolds.com)- The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire women's basketball team won their third straight on Wednesday night, taking down UW-Oshkosh 62-60.
A pair of three-pointers helped Eau Claire put together a great first quarter, establishing a 22-11 advantage over the Titans. Nearly half of those points came from Hallee Hoeppner (Sr.-Winona, MN) who finished the quarter with 10 points.
The Blugolds cooled down in the second period, with their lead slimming to five by the halftime break. A pair of free throws from Caryn Donahue (Sr.-Rockton, IL/Hononegah) finished up the scoring in the half for UWEC.
A layup from Anna Graaskamp (Sr.-Eau Claire, WI/Memorial) began the second half, which was tight the whole way. Three straight three-pointers from Oshkosh helped them take a 39-38 lead halfway through the third quarter. They would hold that slim lead into the final quarter, up 49-47 heading into the fourth.
Eau Claire went down as much as five during the fourth, but hot shooting down the stretch proved to be the difference. Down 60-59 with less than a minute remaining, Graaskamp hit a clutch jumper off an assist from Hoeppner. One free throw from Katie Essen (Jr.-Farmington, MN/Rosemount) secured the thrilling victory.
In addition to the shot that gave UWEC the lead, Graaskamp would also finish as the top scorer, with 18 points. Hoeppner had 12 herself, along with six rebounds.
The three-game winning streak improves the Blugolds to 8-6 overall and 3-1 in the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference. They'll hope to extend the streak this weekend, as they host UW-Stevens Point on Saturday. The game will tip off at 5 PM, and alums will be honored as part of Alumni Day.
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