By Tommy McGowan, UWEC Sports Information
PLATTEVILLE, Wis. (blugolds.com) - The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire women's basketball team defeated UW-Platteville Wednesday night, 65-47. It marked their sixth victory in seven games.
Eau Claire held Platteville to just 13% shooting in the first quarter, helping them build a 14-4 lead. Jessie Ruden (Fr.-Rochester, MN/John Marshall) was the top scorer in the quarter for the Blugolds, scoring six points.
Hot shooting carried the Blugolds in the second period, as they shot 53 percent from the field and went 3-5 from three-point territory. Elli Carver (So.-Andover, MN/Coon Rapids) hit a layup to send UWEC into halftime up 35-19.
A three from Kelsey Bakken (Sr.-Marshall, WI) began the scoring in the second half for Eau Claire, and they'd hold a comfortable lead the rest of the way. Going into the fourth quarter, they were up 52-34.
In the final period, the Blugolds once again had a great defensive performance, holding the Pioneers to 26 percent from the field. Eau Claire held a 20-point lead before a couple of late Platteville free throws closed the game.
In addition to their strong defense, UWEC shot 46 percent from the field themselves. They went 9-16 from three-point, while also winning the rebounding battle.
Ruden had a career high 23 points and nailed five of those nine three-pointers. Anna Graaskamp (Sr.-Eau Claire, WI/Memorial) also supplied 12 points and had two blocks. Katie Essen (Jr.-Farmington, MN/Rosemount) led all players with 11 rebounds.
With the win, Eau Claire is 16-8 overall and 10-3 inside the conference. Their final regular season game of 2019-20 is at home, against UW-La Crosse. The game tips at 5 PM, with seniors honored at halftime. Follow the action on Blugold Game Day or on the 'UWEC Blugolds' app from your mobile device.
