RIVER FALLS, Wis. — The UW-River Falls women's basketball team defeated North Central 74-31 at Page Arena on Saturday, December 7, marking the final home game of the 2024 calendar year.
The 31 points allowed by UWRF is the least since a 48-24 victory over St. Scholastica during the 2010-11 season, while the 43-point margin of victory is the largest by the team since a 99-53 victory over Eureka during the 2022-23 season.
As a team, UW-River Falls forced 26 turnovers and held the Rams to 28% (14-50) from the field and 0-14 from three-point range. Olivia Hoerl led the Falcons with 15 points and seven rebounds in the win.
In the first half, UWRF led for all but 31 seconds and extended a lead as large as 23 points. UWRF shot 9-13 from the field in the first quarter, while holding North Central to 4-15 and building up a 22-8 lead out of the gates.
Olivia Hoerl led the way with 11 first-half points, as the Falcons shot 48.5% from the field and crafted a 38-17 halftime lead. UWRF capitalized off a 24-16 advantage in points in the paint and out-rebounded North Central 25-18.
The Falcons continued to extend their lead throughout the second half, as the third quarter saw UWRF limit North Central to just six points. Despite its worst shooting quarter of the contest, UWRF still managed to out score North Central 14-6 and end the third quarter leading by 29.
The Falcons managed to open the bench in the final quarter, as 18 players logged minutes in tonight's victory. UWRF shot 41.8% in the final frame and held a 22-8 advantage, which led to a 74-31 final score.
Hoerl's 15 points marked her sixth double-digit scoring effort of the season. Jocelyn Plonski totaled nine points and eight rebounds, which are both single-game career highs. Olivia Miron tallied seven points and seven boards.
As a team, UWRF held a 44-37 advantage in rebounding. The Falcons' defensive efforts led to 31 points off turnovers and 11 fastbreak points. UWRF benefited from 36 bench points and finished the game with 34 points in the paint.
Up next, UWRF will head to Mankato, Minn. on Dec. 12 to face Bethany Lutheran. The game is set to tip off at 7 p.m.
