EAU CLAIRE, Wis. (blugolds.com) – The UW-Eau Claire men's basketball fell just short in their efforts to upset No. 19 UW-Stevens Point, losing 40-49 in Zorn Arena on Saturday night.
The Pointers took an early lead to start the game, but the Blugolds went on a 9-0 run to end the half. The Blugold defense held the Pointers scoreless for the last 12 minutes of the half as they trailed 18-21 heading into the locker room.
The Blugolds came out hot in the second half, thanks to back-to-back three's by Tyson Kalien (Jr.-Chippewa Falls, WI). The run continued and following a George Diekelman (Fr.-Stevens Point, WI) lay-up with 9:52 to go, the Pointers had to call a timeout to slow down the Blugold offense as the led 36-28.
However, the seasoned Pointers took advantage of several Blugold turnovers and fouls, knocking down 14-of-28 free throws in the second half to regain the lead for good, as Eau Claire fell 40-49.
Jack Martinek (So.-New Brighton, MN) led Eau Claire with nine points, while Kalien finished with eight. Lewis Mau (Sr.-Colfax, WI) had a team-high seven rebounds and tallied two steals.
Stevens Point's Austin Ryf led all scorers with 12 points.
The Blugolds (7-12, 3-7 WIAC) travel to Superior Wednesday to take on the Yellowjackets at 7 p.m.
-JM-