By Pete Winslow, UWEC Sports Information
EAU CLAIRE, Wis. (Blugolds.com) - The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire men's basketball team fell to the University of Wisconsin-River Falls Saturday night in Zorn Arena, 78-66.
The Blugolds were down early in the first half, as they would find themselves down 31-19 to River Falls. With a few Falcon misses and a surge of offense by the Blugolds, the momentum would quickly turn thanks to an 11-0 run pulling Eau Claire within one.
Jack Martinek (Jr. New Brighton, MN/Irondale) played a big role in the first half comeback scoring 14 of his 18 total points. Jacob Kohner (Sr. Bloomington, MN/John F. Kennedy) would also contribute with 16 points, shooting six of eight from the floor.
Although the game was close going into the second half, the lead was never in Eau Claire's favor as River Falls never let up. River Falls out rebounded Eau Claire 40-29, which was a key factor in the loss. Eau Claire shot 43 percent from the floor and was 9-16 at the charity stripe. River Falls shot a little better with 48 percent from the floor and making 12 of 18 free throws.
With the loss the Blugolds fall to 9-5 (2-2 WIAC) and will travel to Platteville Wednesday, Jan. 20 to take on the Pioneers. Tip-off is set for 7:00 p.m.
