MENOMONIE, Wis. (blugolds.com) – The UW-Eau Claire men's basketball team notched their second Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (WIAC) win in as many games, defeating I-94 rival UW-Stout, 75-72 on Wednesday night at Johnson Fieldhouse.
Stout took an early lead throughout the first 10 minutes of the game, but Tyson Kalien (Jr.-Chippewa Falls, WI) scored seven consecutive points as Eau Claire jumped out to a 24-20 lead with 6:53 remaining in the first half. Eau Claire maintained a small lead the rest of half but the Blue Devils kept it close until Kalien struck again, nailing a three at the end of the half to give the Blugolds a 41-35 lead at halftime.
Eau Claire held the lead for the first seven minutes of the second half before the Blue Devils' Jarvis Ragland went on his own seven point run around the 13 minute mark to give Stout a 53-50 lead. Stout pulled out to a six point lead, then went cold for a three minute spurt as the Blugolds grabbed a 61-59 lead on a Lewis Mau (Sr.-Colfax, WI) bucket at 7:46.
Stout tied the score at 6:37, but would never regain the lead. The Blue Devils pulled to within 73-72 on Sam Ortmann 's three-pointer with nine seconds remaining. However, Jacob Kohner (Jr.-Bloomington, MN) hit three of four free throws to seal the victory for the Blugolds.
Kalien continued his shot streak, leading all scorers with 25 points. Jack Matinek (So.-New Brighton, MN) added 16 points, 12 in the second half, and Kohner finished with 14.
The Blugolds (6-8, 2-3 WIAC) will be back in action next Wednesday when the host UW-Whitewater at 7 p.m. in Zorn Arena.
-JM-
