DALLAS, Tex. (blugolds.com) – The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire women's basketball played their second game of the Comet Classic on Thursday as they took on the host school, UT-Dallas. After a close first half battle between the two ranked teams, the Blugolds powered through for a 57-51 win.
The Blugolds came out with some fire in the contest with a 10-0 run in the opening three minutes. Tyra Boettcher (Sr. – Menomonie, WI) tallied five of the opening ten points to gain the lead for Eau Claire. As a team, UWEC played soundly by shooting a team percentage of 46.7% and keeping their opponents to just 29.4%.
The team's defensive presence was also a big factor to begin the game recording five blocks and forcing ten turnovers in the first half. Boettcher gathered 14 of her 21 total points in the first half. Jessie Ruden (Jr. – Rochester, MN/John Marshall) was close behind with eight first half points for a 31-25 lead at the intermission.
The second half saw a bit of momentum swing in the home teams favor as they outscored the Blugolds 17-15 in the third, but UW-Eau Claire sealed their 57-51 win in the fourth by keeping UT-Dallas to only 2 of 20 from the field.
Ruden led the Blugolds in the third quarter with nine points, including three of her four three pointers. Ruden finished the game with 17 points. Courtney Crouch (Jr. – White Bear Lake, MN) helped the offense with a season high six assists.
The Blugolds (9-2, WIAC 2-0) have one more game during their Texas road trip as they take on Austin University on Friday, December 31st. Tip off is scheduled for 2PM.
Follow the Blugolds all season long at Blugold Game Day or on our app, UWEC Blugolds.
