ARDEN HILLS, Minn. (Blugolds.com) - A slow stretch midway through the first half proved to be the streak-buster for the UW-Eau Claire men's basketball team, as a 74-67 loss at the hands of host Bethel University (Minn.) in the Bethel University Tournament ended the team's undefeated start to the season.
The Blugolds went down by double digits with 7:39 left of the first half at 24-13 and would see a deficit loom to as large as 15 mid-way through the second half. Eau Claire got within five (58-53) with five minutes to play but that was as close as the Blugolds would get.
The Blugolds had a tough time generating offense, shooting only 36.9 percent from the floor, including just 3-of-21 from 3-point range.
A trio of sophomores led the way for the Blugolds Friday night.
Forward Kurtis Moody (So.-Pequot Lakes, Minn.) led the Blugolds with 18 points on 8-of-15 shooting. He also grabbed 12 rebounds to earn his first double-double of the season.
Guard Adam Hjelter (So.-Hutchinson, Minn.) had 12 points, including a perfect 7-for-7 from the free throw line, and center Jacob Kohner (So.-Bloomington, Minn./John F. Kennedy) had 11 points.
Eau Claire is now 2-1 on the season while Bethel is 1-1.
The Blugolds will be back in action tomorrow night against Marian University in the third place game of the Bethel University Tournament. Tip off is set for 6 p.m.
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