Women's Basketball Falls in Final Seconds to Eau Claire in WIAC Semifinals

The Basics
Score: (RV) UW-Stout 67, (RV) UW-Eau Claire 68
Record: Blue Devils (18-8, 10-4), Blugolds (20-7, 9-5)
Location: Johnson Fieldhouse - Menomonie, Wis. 

UW-Eau Claire scored with 3.3 seconds left to take their first lead since early in the first quarter to stun the Blue Devils 68-67 in the WIAC women's basketball tournament (Presented by Culver's) semifinals.

UWEC jumped out to an early 7-2 lead, Stout responded with an 8-0 run capped by back-to-back triples form Haylee Yaeger and Raegen Sorensen to take a 10-7 lead midway through the first quarter. The teams traded buckets and Stout held a slight 19-15 advantage after 10 minutes of play. Anna Mutch scored two quick baskets to open the second to give Stout an eight-point lead early in the second. The Blue Devils would build on that momentum and Mutch would score just before half-time as Stout took a 17 point-lead at the break. UWEC came out with a strong third quarter to trim the Stout lead to seven heading into the fourth. UWEC closed the fourth quarter on a 13-2 run in the final 3:17 and the Blue Devils were unable to get a final shot off as the Blugolds came back to steal the win.  


Top Performers  

• Reagan Sorensen was 10-16 for a game-high 24 points. She added 10 rebounds for her fourth double-double of the season
• Anna Mutch scored 22 points, eight rebounds, two assists, two steals and a block. 
• Haylee Yaeger had an 11 point 11 rebound double-double. 
• Jesse Ruden scored 14 points and nine rebounds to lead Eau Claire. 

Inside the Box Score   

• Sam Schaeffer dished out six assists. 
• Eau Claire had seven blocked shots.   

Up Next
The Blue Devils will  have to wait until Monday to see if they advance to the NCAA DIII tournament. The NCAA Division III Women's Basketball Selection Show will air Monday, February 27th at 1:30 P.M. on NCAA.com.