Blue Devils never trailed from start to finish in 72-68 win over Eau Claire

UW-Stout 72, UW-Eau Claire 68

EAU CLAIRE (January 12, 2022) - UW-Stout never trailed and the Blue Devils always found an answer for any UW-Eau Claire comeback attempt and Stout took a 72-68 win out of Zorn Arena Wednesday.

The Blue Devils (8-7, 3-2 WIAC) held a 21-17 lead at the end of the first quarter, took a 34-25 lead into halftime, led 54-47 after three periods and held off the 11th-ranked Blugolds for the four point win.

While Eau Claire (11-4, 2-2 WIAC) outscored Stout 43-38 in the second half, the Blugolds only got as close as three points twice in the fourth quarter. Led by Raegan Sorensen at the free throw line, Stout drilled 10 of 14 free throws in the fourth quarter, with Sorensen dropping nine charity shots in the final stanza to keep Eau Claire at bay. Stout finished the game hitting 18 of 26 free throws.

Sorensen led all scorers with 25 points, 15 in the second half.. She was 13 of 15 from the line and 6 of 10 from field goal range. Amanda Giesen finished with 17 points and Lizzy Olsem added 14 points. 

Stout held an advantage in rebounds, pulling down 38 to Eau Claire's 34. Stout's Anna Mutch led all rebounders with nine. 

The Blugolds were led by Jessie Ruden with 18. Courtney Crouch popped in 17 points and Tyra Boettcher 11. 

The Blue Devils had a season-low nine turnovers.

Stout shot 45.6 percent (26-57) from the floor and 69.2 percent (18-26) from the line. Stout hit two 3-pointers. Eau Claire shot 38.0 percent (27-71) from the floor and the Blue Devils held the Blugolds to only 18.8 percent (3-16) shooting in the second period. Eau  Claire shot 28.0 percent (7-25) from 3-point range and made all seven free throw attempts.

The win snapped a four-game losing streak to the Blugolds, with Stout snaring their first win since Feb. 6, 2019, and their first win at Zorn Arena since Jan. 19, 2019. 

Stout returns to action Wednesday, Jan. 19 when they host UW-Stevens Point at 7 p.m. The Blue Devils were to play at UW-Oshkosh Saturday, Jan. 15, but that game was canceled due to health and safety protocols.