By Tommy McGowan, UWEC Sports Information
DAYTONA, Fla. (blugolds.com)- The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire women's basketball team defeated Framingham State (Mass.) 76-46 on Saturday afternoon. It was their first game in the Land of Magic Classic, taking place in Daytona, Florida.
The Blugold offense was hot all afternoon, and they got started quickly against the Rams. Maizie Deihl (Jr.-New Prague, MN) hit a three-pointer to begin the scoring, opening an 11-2 run for Eau Claire within the first couple minutes. The Blugolds would shoot 12-19 from the field in the first quarter, building a 27-14 lead.
Another three began the action in the second period for Eau Claire, this one coming from Katelyn Morgan (Jr.-Green Bay, WI/Notre Dame). Two more made three-pointers in the quarter would continue to build the lead, coming from Megan Baer (Fr.-Apple Valley, MN) and Hallee Hoeppner (Sr.-Winona, MN). The Blugolds went into halftime up 42-24, shooting 49 percent from the field. Hoeppner led all scorers, totaling 15 points going into the break.
Even though the Blugolds wouldn't shoot quite as well in the second half, their lead was never in question. They completed the third quarter up 24 points, and finished the Rams off in the fourth, completing the dominant 30-point victory.
Going 8-18 from three-point territory was crucial in the win for Eau Claire, as well out-rebounding Framingham State by a 51-31 margin. The Blugold defense allowed the Rams to shoot just 29 percent from the field.
Hoeppner finished as the leading scorer for the Blugolds, scoring 18 in total. Katie Essen (Jr.-Farmington, MN/Rosemount) also added 13 points, while also collecting a team-leading nine rebounds.
Eau Claire will play their second game in the Land of Magic Classic tomorrow at 1 PM against Salve Regina (R.I.). It will be a great chance to improve their current 4-5 record. Follow the action on Blugold Game Day or on the 'UWEC Blugolds' app from your mobile device.
