Notables-First meeting between the two programs since 2000
-Pearson scored a team-high 14 points, knocking down 5-of-8 from the field.
-La Crosse out-scored the Saints in the paint 46-24
EAU CLAIRE, Wis. (csssaints.com) -- After a good start for the St. Scholastica women's basketball team, the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse took control and went on to win 86-64 on Saturday at the UW-Eau Claire Tip-off Classic at Zorn Arena.
The ActionThe Saints opened up a seven-point lead in the first quarter, but the Eagles went on a 12-2 run and would not relinquish the lead the rest of the way. La Crosse led 23-20 after one quarter of action.
St. Scholastica was held to only nine points in the second quarter, while allowing 18, which led to a 41-29 deficit at halftime. CSS was out-scored 26-6 in the paint in the first half and committed 16 turnovers.
Unfortunately for the Saints the team struggled shooting, hitting only 10-of-28 from the field (35.7 FG percentage) and hit only one 3-point shot in the second half. CSS also struggled from the foul line, making 14-of-23 for 61 percent. La Crosse led by double digits all of the second half and went on to win 86-64.
Top Performers for CSSFreshman
Mariah Pearson (Blaine, Minn./Blaine HS) knocked down 5-of-8 from the field, and made four free throws, good enough for a total of 14 points.
Danica Schellbach (Rush City, Minn./Rush City HS) added 10 points and
Kelsey Sorenson-Giffrow (Braham, Minn./Braham HS (Minn. Duluth)) had 12 points, with nine coming in the first half.
Holly VanKempen (Elbow Lake, Minn./West Central HS) had seven points and a team-high seven rebounds.
Top Performers for UWLThe Eagles shot 54 percent from the floor in the second half to finish at 45 percent for the game. MaKenzie Miller led all scorers with 20 points. Elise DeNoyer added 16 points and Cameron Chaplin had a double-double off the bench with 10 points and 11 rebounds.
Up NextThe Saints (1-3) are back in action next Sunday, November 29 when they play at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls.
