Trine University 66, UW-Stout 49
MENOMONIE (November 20, 2021) - UW-Stout stuck with the third-ranked Trine Univesity, before the Thunder surged ahead in the second quarter and went on to seal the win, 66-49, on Saturday afternoon at Johnson Fieldhouse.
The Blue Devils (2-3, 0-0 WIAC) came into the game as true underdogs looking for a win against one of the best teams in the nation. Trine University (4-0, 0-0 MIAA) was not ready for the stellar Stout zone defense. The first quarter was heavily highlighted by both teams defenses. Trine only shot 30 percent from the floor (4 for 13) and Stout, 22 percent (2 for 9). The first quarter ended with Trine up 9-7. Stout had a chance to tie the game at the buzzer, but the shot clock buzzer and quarter buzzer went off too close to decide if the basket should count.
In the second quarter, Trine had a better time putting the ball in the basket, while Stout struggled to get started offensively.
Erin O'Brien made the only Stout field goal of the second quarter only 50 seconds into the period. Trine went on a 12-point run, while keeping Stout to only earning points from the charity stripe. Stout went 5 for 6 from the free line in the second period, while Trine shot an efficient 53 percet from the floor (8 for 15) and 60 percent from deep (3 for 5).
Trine opened the second half with a very quick three from Tara Bieniewicz. Stout held Bieniewicz, a pre-season All-American, to 10 points. Stout continued to fight hard, going back and forth with Trine, cutting the lead to 12 at one point. Trine pulled away after this, finishing out the third quarter up by 25 (55-30), their biggest lead of the afternoon.
The Blue Devils were able to outscore the Thunder in the fourth, but it wasn't enough to overcome the deficit.
Anna Mutch lead Stout in points, rebounds, and assists, with 11, six, and three, respectively. Raegan Sorenson had eight points for Stout, all of which came in Stout's fourth quarter run. Sidney Jahr also finished with eight points.
Haylee Yaeger had seven points.
The Thunder were lead by Bieniewicz and Kelsy Taylor. Bieniewicz and Taylor each finished with 10 points. Sisters Kaylee and Alyssa Argyle both finished with five assists.
Stout finished the game with a 30.2 percent shooting clip, going 16 for 53 from the floor. Trine was 46 percent from the floor (26-56). Both teams were 31 percent from beyond the arc (Stout, 4 for 13, Trine, 6 for 19). Both teams were about even in rebounds and turnovers. Trine recorded 38 rebounds and 16 turnovers, while Stout recorded 33 rebounds and 15 turnovers.
The Blue Devil women will start off conference play on the road, taking on UW-River Falls on Wednesday, Dec. 1. They will then return back to Johnson Fieldhouse for a Saturday match against UW-Whitewater on Saturday, Dec. 4.
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