By Kyle Naber, UWEC Sports Information
STEVENS POINT, WIS (Blugolds.com)- The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire men's basketball team dropped a tough conference game on Saturday afternoon falling to the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, 74-63.
The Blugolds were in a back and forth battle all the way through the first half with the Pointers. Eau Claire started out up 11-6 but the game was far from over as Stevens Point was going to give Eau Claire a good test. After giving up the lead, Eau Claire came right back to tie it up at 22 with 5:59 left in the first half. Stevens Point would respond by going on a 10-3 run to finish out the first half on top.
In the second half, the Pointers picked up right where they left off and were stifling on defense causing the Blugolds to fall cold on the offensive end. Eau Claire tried everything to get back into the game, but were unable to despite their best efforts.
The Blugolds were not their usual hot shooting team as they shot 36.7% from the field and only 22.2 percent from behind the arc (6-27). The Blugolds bright spot in this one was shooting 13-13 from the free throw line. Eau Claire was led in this one by Jack Martinek (Jr. – New Brighton, MN) who scored 14 points and added four assists in the loss.
Eau Claire (14-9, 7-5 WIAC) will look to turn around their two game skid and return to their winning ways as they fight for top position in the WIAC. On Wednesday night they will have another tough test as they welcome in the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse, who currently sits in first place in the WIAC. Tip-off is set for 7:00 p.m.