EAU CLAIRE, Wis. (blugolds.com) – The UW-Eau Claire men's basketball team took down I-94 rival UW-Stout Wednesday night, defeating the Blue Devils 69-64 in Zorn Arena.
After a quick start from the Blue Devils that had the home squad down by six halfway through the first half, the momentum swung to the Blugolds favor as they mounted a 24-9 run to close out the half, taking a 40-31 lead into the locker room.
The Blugolds shot 60.9 percent (14-for-23) from the field, 57.1 percent (four-for-seven) from behind the arc and was eight-for-11 from the free-throw line (72.7 percent).
For the half, the Blue Devils were 12-for-26 (46.2 percent) from the field, five-for-11 (45.5 percent) from three and two-for-two from the charity stripe.
In the second half, neither team could maintain their hot shooting, with the Blugolds hitting 10-for-22 (45.5 percent) from the field and the Blue Devils shooting 40 percent (12-for-30).
Stout made a run late, but were unable to overcome the deficit as the Blugolds held on for a 69-64 win.
Eric Effertz (Sr.-Ladysmith, WI) had a career-high 20 points to lead all scorers while Jack Martinek (So.-New Brighton, MN) and Kurtis Moody (Jr.-Pequot Lakes, MN) chipped in 13 and 10 points, respectively.
Lewis Mau (Sr.-Colfax, WI) led the Blugolds with seven rebounds to go with his nine points and Andrew Duxbury (So.-Stillwater, MN) came off the bench to record five rebounds and two blocks.
The Blugolds (7-11, 3-6 WIAC) return to Zorn on Saturday, hosting No. 19 UW-Stevens Point. Tip-off is set for 5 p.m.
-JM-