By Kyle Naber, UWEC Sports Information
LA CROSSE, Wis. (Blugolds.com)-The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire men's basketball team fought hard to earn a victory over Viterbo University 66-62, Wednesday night in R.W. Beggs Sr. Gym.
Eau Claire would start out quickly with a 5-0 run to give them an early advantage. After Jared Schneidermann (Jr.-Brooklyn Park, MN/Concordia Academy) hit two jumpers the lead quickly was up to 9-2 early in the first half. Then the Hawks came back to tie it at thirteen.
It would be a game of runs in the first half. The Blugolds were constantly tested by the Hawks and after a quick 4-0 run Viterbo took the lead. The lead was short-lived as the Blugolds would regain the lead shortly after.
Eau Claire's lead would balloon up to a 52-35 score, but the Hawks would not go away easily. Viterbo went on an impressive run to bring it to a one-possession game at 62-59. But George Diekelman (So. Stevens Point, WI/ SPASH) and Jack Martinek (Jr. New Brighton, MN/ Irondale) hit their free throws to hold off the Hawks and escape with the 66-62 win.
The Blugolds were able to shoot the ball well, finishing at 54.5 percent on the night, including 40 percent from the three-point line. Eau Claire out-rebounded Viterbo 34-33 and were able to hold the Hawks to shooting 40 percent including 20 percent from the three-point line.
Eau Claire was led by Martinek and Diekelman who had 18 and 17 points, respectively. Diekelman was all over the court also adding a team high eight rebounds and three assists. Jacob Kohner (Sr. Bloomington, MN/Jon F. Kennedy) added a nice effort in the win, adding 11 points and five rebounds to the cause.
Eau Claire improves to (5-3, 0-0 WIAC) on the season and will continue their road trip on Saturday afternoon when they will take on St. Norbert College at 3:00 pm.
