EAU CLAIRE, Wis. (blugolds.com) – The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire women's basketball hosted their first home game in two weeks at Zorn Arena on Saturday. As the Blugolds hosted Alumni Day and faced off against UW-La Crosse, the environment made for a special evening affair. With a three-point deficit going into the fourth quarter, the Blugolds exploded for 30 points in the final ten minutes to secure the 71-58 victory.
UWEC started the game strong with a 7-0 run in the first five minutes. With UWL grabbing their first points with 4:17 remaining in the first quarter, Eau Claire cruised to an 11-6 lead after the opening frame.
The second quarter switched the balance of momentum as the Eagles outscored the Blugolds 17-9 to for a three-point lead at half. The play in the lane was key for the visitor's as they grabbed seven of the ten rebounds in both defensive zones.
After halftime, the offensive game for both sides came alive as 42 combined points were scored in the third quarter. Eau Claire rattled off another 7-0 run with 2:22 left to keep the score close between the two Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (WIAC) teams.
Tyra Boettcher (Jr. – Menomonie, WI) tallied 12 of her 20 total points in the fourth quarter with a 100% field goal percentage on three shots and six free throws to help push UWEC to their eventual victory. Olivia Ganser (So. – Jefferson, WI) captured the final lead of the night for Eau Claire with a three pointer off a turnover with 5:56 to put the home squad up 51-49. After an offensive foul by UWL, Boettcher drove to the lane and made a layup to push the game to a two-possession lead. Jessie Ruden (Jr. – Rochester, MN/John Marshall) extended the lead to six points with 4:05 left in the quarter with a layup of her own to seal the deal for UWEC.
The Blugolds (17-5, WIAC 8-3) will head on the road next week for two WIAC games before finishing their regular season at home on Wednesday, February 16th. UWEC will face UW-Stout on Wednesday, February 9th and UW-Stevens Point on Saturday, February 12th to wrap up their WIAC road games. Wednesday's contest is set to begin at 7PM.
Follow the Blugolds all season long at Blugold Game Day or on our app, UWEC Blugolds.
