By Tommy McGowan, UWEC Sports Information
STEVENS POINT, Wis. (blugolds.com) - The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire women's basketball team defeated UW-Stevens Point Saturday afternoon, 72-69.
The Blugolds opened the game on a 21-1 run, with hot shooting being the difference. They finished the first quarter up 26-7, hitting from the field at a 53 percent rate. Hallee Hoeppner (Sr.-Winona, MN) led the way for Eau Claire, with nine points.
The second quarter was more competitive, with the two teams trading buckets throughout the period. Eau Claire still maintained their lead, going into halftime up 44-23. Kelsey Bakken (Sr.-Marshall, WI) was the top scorer in the quarter for the Blugolds.
UWEC cooled down in the third quarter, allowing Stevens Point to get back into the game. The quarter would end with the Blugolds leading 55-43.
The Pointers would cut the lead to single-digits late in the fourth, but free throws from Bakken and Anna Graaskamp (Sr.-Eau Claire, WI/Memorial) sealed the victory.
Eau Claire would finish the game shooting 46 percent from the field, while holding Stevens Point under the 40 percent mark.
Hoeppner led all scorers, totaling 17 points on 5-8 shooting. Graaskamp added 16 points as well, while Bakken had a double-double, scoring 12 and collecting 11 rebounds.
The Blugolds have now won four straight and currently sit 14-7 overall, with an 8-2 record in the conference. Their next game will be on the road against UW-River Falls next Wednesday, February 12th. Follow the action on Blugold Game Day or on the 'UWEC Blugolds' app from your mobile device.
