By Kyle Naber, UWEC Sports Information
EAU CLAIRE, WIS. (Blugolds.com)- Coming off a big road win in Whitewater, the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire men's basketball team added another key Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (WIAC) match-up as tallied a 67-50 victory Wednesday night over the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh in Zorn Arena.
The Blugolds found themselves in a back and fourth contest as the teams were feeling each other out and matching basket for basket. At the 14 minute mark in the first half the Titans took an early 8-7 lead over Eau Claire. This, however, would prove to be the last lead of the game for Oshkosh, as Eau Claire would get hot and never look back. The Blugolds would finish the first half on a 30-12 run mounting a 17-point lead.
In the second half, Oshkosh came out quick on a 5-0 run, but a key time-out called by Head Coach Matt Siverling helped the Blugolds to regain the momentum. After the early run, the Blugolds never allowed the Titans to get close and cruised to an easy victory.
The Blugolds had no problem offensively taking on the nation's 25th best defense as they shot 47.4% from the field and 41.2% (7-17) from behind the arc. George Diekelman (So. – Stevens Point, WI/SPASH) was the leader for the Blugolds scoring 17 points while adding eight rebounds and three assists in 35 minutes. On the defensive side, Eau Claire was fantastic holding Oshkosh to 33.9% from the field and just 27.3% (6-22) from deep.
Eau Claire was able to overcome Oshkosh's tremendous depth as the Titans went 18 players deep in the game. The Blugolds move to (11-7, 4-3 WIAC) with the win and will head to the University of Wisconsin-Stout on Saturday, tip-off is set fro 3:00pm.
