RIVER FALLS, Wis. (blugolds.com) – The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire women's basketball team was back in action on Wednesday, as they traveled west to face Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (WIAC) opponent, UW-River Falls. After being outscored in the first and third quarters, the Blugolds rattled off 21 points in the final ten minutes to secure the 67-54 victory. Jessie Ruden (Jr. – Rochester, MN/John Marshall) tied a career high with 29 points and 40 minutes played.
Jessie Ruden was on fire from the get-go with eight of her total 29 points coming in the first quarter. With two of her five total three-pointers coming in the opening frame, Ruden and the Blugolds kept the score line tight after just ten minutes of play.
Tyra Boettcher (Sr. – Menomonie, WI) found her rhythm in the middle of the second by putting together eight of her 23 total points in a three-minute span. A three pointer by Kylie Mogen (So. – Menomonie, WI) with 4:20 left in the first half gave UWEC a lead that never wavered before halftime.
Eau Claire found themselves behind midway through the third quarter after the Blugolds shot just 30.8% as a team from the field. River Falls pushed back late in the third, but a three-pointer and a free throw by Boettcher put the Blugolds back in front as the teams fought hard going into the final quarter.
Jessie Ruden continued her offensive firepower in the final ten minutes with ten points off two jumpers, two three-pointers, and four free throws to seal the deal for UWEC. A seven point run by the Blugolds with six minutes remaining helped the visitors pull away for the 13 point win away from home.
The Blugolds (16-5, WIAC 7-3) will return home on Saturday, February 5th when they host UW-La Crosse at Zorn Arena. UWEC will honor past Blugolds players as they celebrate Alumni Day. Tip off is scheduled for 5PM.
Follow the Blugolds all season long at Blugold Game Day or on our app, UWEC Blugolds.
