MENOMONIE (January 18, 2012) - UW-Stout hung tight with UW-La Crosse for much of the game, but a few dry spells proved fatal to the Blue Devils as they fell, 63-50, Wednesday night at Johnson Fieldhouse.

The Eagles (13-4, 6-2 WIAC) reeled off two 8-0 runs in the first half, and added another down the stretch, which kept them separated from the surging Blue Devils (4-13, 0-8), who are desparately searching for their elusive first conference win.

Stout's first cold streak came early, as they hit just one of their first six shots.  Combined with three turnovers during that stretch, it led to a quick 13-2 deficit.  Midway through the half, La Crosse had extended their lead to 16. 

The Blue Devils proved resilient, however, reeling off a 14-0 run, resulting in a one-possession game.

During that run, Stout forced four turnovers and got points from five different players, four from Whitney Rawdon (Jr, Eau Claire), who led Stout with 12 points.

The Eagles ended the half on another 8-0 run and led, 34-24, at the break.

The closest Stout could pull within in the second half was eight points, which came 30 seconds after halftime.  La Crosse slowly built their lead and their third 8-0 run put them up by 19, their largest lead of the game, with under 10 minutes to play.

To add to her 12 points, Rawdon also led the team with eight boards, one shy of the game high, shared by Kassie Robinson and Mallory Cramer of La Crosse.  Robinson also scored 13 points, tied with teammate Briana Radowicz for the game high.  Haley Froehlich (Fr, Mondovi) set a career high with seven rebounds, and tied her career highs in points and assists.

Stout was out-rebounded 50-36 on the night, but won the turnover battle, 25-20.

The Blue Devils will stay at home this weekend as they host UW-Whitewater on Saturday, Jan. 21.  They will be the first game of the men's and women's doubleheader, scheduled to start at 4 p.m.