WHITEWATER, Wis. – The UW-River Falls women's basketball team fell 68-54 at No. 8-ranked UW-Whitewater Saturday afternoon.

The Falcons, now 8-6 overall and 1-2 in the WIAC, came out firing and built an early lead to take a three-point lead into halftime, but the Warhawks proved too much in the second half.

UWRF showcased its best basketball early, shooting 66.7% in the second quarter and knocking down six triples in the first half. Behind a scorching start from Zoey Buchan, who poured in 16 first-half points, the Falcons led 31-28 at the break.

The Warhawks responded after halftime. Whitewater outscored UWRF 21-9 in the third quarter, flipping the game with relentless paint scoring and defensive pressure. The Falcons' offense cooled to 27.3% shooting in the third, and Whitewater capitalized with a 40-18 advantage in points in the paint.

Buchan led all scorers with 24 points, hitting five three-pointers and going a perfect 5-for-5 at the line. Emily Anderson added 11 points and three triples, while Taylor Clarey chipped in eight. UWRF finished the day shooting 41.3% from the field and 44.4% from deep, but 21 turnovers proved costly against the Warhawks' aggressive defense.

Up next, the Falcons travel to face UW-Eau Claire next Wednesday, Jan. 14.