EAU CLAIRE, Wis. (blugolds.com) – The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire women's basketball team hosted a top 25 matchup on Saturday as the #18 ranked Blugolds took on the #6 ranked UW-Whitewater Warhawks. The Blugolds stormed out to an early lead and finished strong down the stretch to upset the Warhawks at Zorn, 81-71.
A 6-0 start for UWEC fueled energy throughout the building in Zorn as Jessie Ruden (Jr. – Rochester, MN/John Marshall) and Courtney Crouch (Jr. – White Bear Lake, MN) both converted three-point plays. The lead in the first quarter grew as much as ten after Ruden knocked down her second three-pointer of the night to make it 16-6.
After holding the Warhawks to a team shooting percentage of 17.4% in the opening period, Eau Claire looked to lockdown the defense with only 11 attempted field in the second quarter. Whitewater found some life before the half and outscored the home squad 19-16 to cut the lead to 33-29.
The second half showcased both high power offenses as the teams combined for 90 in the final 20 minutes of play. Kylie Mogen (So . – Menomonie, WI) tallied 11 of her 16 total points in the second half to contribute to a strong Blugold finish. Jade Ganski (So. – Rothschild, WI/Newman Catholic) controlled the paint in the defensive zone with five blocks and four rebounds in the second half to stifle the UWW offense.
With the scored tied at 60-60 with 8:15 to play, Jessie Ruden took over in the fourth quarter with 13 points in final ten minutes. Ruden tallied a career high 29 total points in the evening contest and sealed the deal for UWEC with a jump shot between the lane and the arc to put the Blugolds up 76-71 with 53 seconds remaining. The Warhawks had four chances in the final minute but the Eau Claire defense held strong to keep the visitors scoreless in the final 60 seconds to secure their fifth win over a top 25 team on the year.
The Blugolds will have a quick turnaround over the weekend as they prepare to travel to UW-Platteville on Monday, January 24th for their rescheduled game against the Pioneers. Tip off is scheduled for 7PM.
Follow the Blugolds all season long at Blugold Game Day or on our app, UWEC Blugolds.
