The UW-River Falls Falcons open WIAC play on Saturday, Jan. 3, hosting the UW-La Crosse Eagles in Don Page Arena. Tip-off is scheduled for 3 p.m. in River Falls.

UWRF enters its conference opener with a 7-4 overall record, looking to carry momentum into WIAC action after closing non-conference play with a strong home victory against Augsburg.

UW-RIVER FALLS (7-4, 0-0 WIAC) VS UW-LA CROSSE (7-4, 0-0 WIAC)
Date: Saturday, Jan. 3
Time: 3 p.m.
Site: River Falls, Wis. // Don Page Arena
Coverage: Watch // Live Stats

THE SERIES

Saturday's matchup renews a familiar WIAC rivalry between UW-River Falls and UW-La Crosse. The Falcons trail the all-time series but have remained competitive in recent seasons, with several meetings decided by single digits. UWRF earned its most recent win (Jan. 31, 2024) in the series with a 75-60 victory and will look to defend home court as conference play begins.

FALCON NOTES

The Falcons are coming off a 74-57 home victory over Augsburg on Dec. 19, closing non-conference play on a high note. Zoey Buchan led UWRF with 16 points, while Savannah Leopold added 13 points as the Falcons pulled away in the second half.

Through 11 games, UWRF is averaging 60.4 points per game while holding opponents to 53.5 points. The Falcons have been especially effective at creating extra possessions, forcing 18.3 turnovers per game while committing just 12.9, resulting in a +5.4 turnover margin.

Buchan paces the Falcons offensively at 13.5 points per game, shooting nearly 39 percent from three-point range, while Leopold continues to provide a consistent perimeter presence. Defensively, UWRF averages 9.1 steals per game, Sidney Schmit leads with 20 takeaways, while applying pressure across the floor.

Saturday's contest marks the WIAC opener for the Falcons as they look to start conference play strong and protect home court in River Falls.