EAU CLAIRE, Wis. (Blugolds.com) – The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire men's basketball opened a busy weekend of home events Friday night, falling Buena Vista Friday night, 73-65.
It was a back and forth battle from the beginning, with seven lead changes and three ties in just the first half. Both teams shot over 40 percent with Jack Martinek (Jr. – New Brighton, MN) leading the way, tallying 13 points thanks to hitting six of 10 from the field. The Blugolds rallied at the end of the half to take a 43-32 lead into the locker room.
However, the second half belonged to Buena Vista's Nick Clark, who erupted for 22 second half points. The Beavers would continue to shoot well while the Blugold offense cooled to a 27.6 percent shooting percentage in the half.
Despite the struggles from the field, the Blugolds continued to fight and with a three by Martinek with just under five minutes to play, the Blugolds took the lead, 62-61. The Beavers responded with several key jumpers and free throws, however, sealing a 73-65 win.
Foul trouble would prove to be costly for Eau Claire, forcing several Blugolds to the bench early on and putting Buena Vista into the bonus for most of the half. The Beavers would take advantage from the charity stripe, nailing 10 from 14 in the half.
Clark would finish with a game-high 32 – including 10 for 11 from the free throw line - while Martinek led the Blugolds with 23 points.
Jared Schneidermann (Jr.-Brooklyn Park, MN/Concordia Academy) also hit double digits for Eau Claire, scoring 11 points to go along with a game-high 11 rebounds for the double-double.
The Blugolds (3-3) will return to Zorn Saturday night for a match up with Wartburg College at 5 p.m., following the women's basketball matchup between the Blugolds and Knights, with tip off set to 3 p.m.
