LA CROSSE, Wis. – UW-Stout women's basketball went toe-to-toe with Wisconsin–La Crosse for 40 minutes Wednesday night, but a late free-throw surge by the Eagles proved to be the difference in an 80–73 setback at the La Crosse Center.
The Blue Devils led after the first quarter and traded punches throughout a tightly contested game that featured eight ties and eight lead changes. Stout carried momentum into halftime and again midway through the third quarter behind strong interior play and defensive pressure that created transition opportunities.
Freshman Addy Verhagen turned in a standout performance, scoring 26 points on 9-of-20 shooting while knocking down timely shots in traffic to keep Stout in front during key stretches. Fellow freshman Brooklynn Birt added 14 points off the bench, repeatedly answering La Crosse runs with tough finishes in the paint, including a pair of baskets late in the third and early in the fourth quarter to maintain a narrow Stout advantage.
Maraya Wiltrout provided a steady presence inside, finishing with 13 points and several crucial rebounds, while Rosella Willie contributed 11 points, six rebounds, and four steals, helping fuel Stout's fast-break attack.
Despite shooting just 2-of-11 from three-point range, the Blue Devils leaned on paint scoring and free throws to stay within striking distance down the stretch. Trailing 76–73 with the shot clock turned off, Mary Berg had a clean look from beyond the arc to tie the game, but the attempt rimmed out. La Crosse followed by converting free throws in the final seconds to seal the win.
By the Numbers
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Addy Verhagen: 26 points, 5 assists, 2 three-pointers
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Brooklynn Birt: 14 points, 6 rebounds off the bench
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Maraya Wiltrout: 13 points, 4 rebounds
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Rosella Willie: 11 points, 6 rebounds, 4 steals
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Team Shooting: 44.6% FG, 18.2% (2-for-11) from three
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Points in the Paint: Stout 52
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Lead Changes: 8
Up Next
UW-Stout returns home to Johnson Fieldhouse on Saturday, hosting #3 UW-Oshkosh at 3 p.m. in WIAC action.
