Box Score Colorado Springs, Colo. - The University of Wisconsin-La Crosse women's basketball team captured the Colorado College Pikes Peak Holiday Invitational with a 70-49 victory over Central College (Iowa) Tuesday afternoon at Reid Arena.  The Eagles improve to 6-5 on the season while the Dutch drop to 3-8.

In the first meeting between the two teams since 2004-05, Central (Iowa) took its only lead of the game on the opening basket from Claire Marburger.  UWL took a 3-2 advantage on a MaKenzie Miller layup with 8:12 remaining in the first quarter and the Eagles would never trail the rest of the contest.  UWL went on an 11-1 run after Central (Iowa) scored the first two points.  The Dutch cut the deficit to 14-11 with 1:52 left in the first quarter, but the Eagles lead 18-12 after the first 10 minutes.

UWL opened the second quarter scoring the first six points to lead 24-12 with 7:31 remaining.  Central (Iowa) trailed 30-21 before cutting UWL's halftime lead to 31-26.

The Eagles went on an 9-2 run to start the second half to lead 40-28.  The Dutch later cut it 47-39 with 3:30 left in the third quarter on Alison Malaby's layup before the Eagles tallied the last seven points of the quarter to lead 54-39.

Central (Iowa) could get no closer than 12 points in the fourth quarter.

"I really like how we played two solid halves in winning the tournament," said UWL head coach Lois Heeren.  "Our defensive effort was outstanding in holding Central to 49 points.  We need to take this momentum and build off it as we enter conference play next week."

UWL shot 40.9% from the field Tuesday, including 37.% (three-of-eight) from three-point range, and 61.9% (13-of-21) at the free throw line.  The Eagles outrebounded the Dutch, 50-38, and forced 17 Central (Iowa) turnovers.

Miller recorded her fifth double-double of the season with 18 points and 10 rebounds, finishing seven-of-11 from the field and four-of-six at the line.  She also had a gaem-high three blocks.  Rachel Atchison finished with 17 points for the Eagles while Maggi Bishop had 10.  Elise DeNoyer tied Miller for the team lead with 10 rebounds.

Central (Iowa) shot 30.4% from the field, including 33.3% (five-of-15) from three-point range, and 43.5% (10-of-23) at the line.

Emily Dine led the Dutch with 10 points while Malaby finished with nine.  Jackie Kriegel and Marburger each finished with eight points.

UWL returns to action Wednesday, January 6 opening Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (WIAC) play at UW-Platteville at 7 p.m.