EAU CLAIRE, Wis. (blugolds.com) – The UW-Eau Claire men's basketball team lost a tough battle to Wartburg College on Wednesday night, falling 85-74 at Zorn Arena.
The two teams traded baskets early on, but late in the first half Wartburg got hot and took a 43-29 lead into the locker room. For the half, the Knights shot 57 percent (16 for 28) and 57 percent (eight for 14) from behind the arc. The Blugolds shot 42 percent (11 for 26) from the field and 36 percent (4 for 11) for three-point shots.
Eau Claire came out strong in the second half, outscoring Wartburg 45-42 in the final frame, but their comeback ran out of time as they came up short, 85-74. For the game, the Blugolds shot 43 percent (27 for 63) from the field, 32 percent (11 for 34) for three's and 82 percent (nine for 11) from the free throw line.
Kurtis Moody (Jr.-Pequot Lakes, MN) and Adam Hjelter (Jr.-Hutchinson, MN) led the way for the Eau Claire, each recording 16 points. Lewis Mau (Sr.-Colfax, WI) added 11 while Tyson Kalien (Jr.-Chippewa Falls, WI) chipped in 10. Moody's five rebounds were also a team-high.
Wartburg's Jordan Cannon had a game-high 27 points while teammate Dan Van Groningen had a game-high eight rebounds.
Eau Claire will be back in action on Saturday, November 29 as they host Hamline University. Tip-off is set for 5 p.m.
-JM-
