WHITEWATER, Wis. (Blugolds.com) – The UW-Eau Claire men's basketball team fell to the No. 1 ranked team in the nation, falling to UW-Whitewater, 77-62 on Saturday night.
The Blugolds lost on a last-second shot the last time the teams met in Zorn Arena and the Blugolds came out ready for a battle in the rematch.
The first half saw the teams trade baskets with Whitewater going a short run to take a 34-28 lead at the half.
Eau Claire shot the ball well in the opening period, hitting 10-of-24 from field (41.7 percent) and five-of-seven (71.4 percent) from behind the arc. The Warhawks shot 35.3 percent (12-of-34) from the field and 16.7 percent (2-of-12) from three.
Eau Claire fought their way back in the second half, taking the lead on a Tyson Kalien (Jr.-Chippewa Falls, WI) three, 45-43. However, the Warhawks always had an answer before going on 24-12 run to finish the game, clinching the win, 77-62.
Kalien had a game-high 28 points, hitting 8-of-13 from the field and 6-of-10 for three. George Diekelman (Fr.-Stevens Point) also scored in double figures with 12.
Steve Egan led the Warhawks with 19 points.
For the game, the Blugolds shot 45.8 percent from the field and 40 percent from three while the Warhawks were 41.5 percent from the field and 26.3 percent from behind the arc.
Eau Claire (8-13, 4-8 WIAC) returns to Zorn Wednesday night and will host UW-Platteville at 7 p.m.