By Pete Winslow, UWEC Sports Information

EAU CLAIRE, Wis. (Blugolds.com)- The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire men's basketball team pulled out a huge win at Zorn Arena Saturday night, beating the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater 59-53.

Box Score | WIAC Championship Website

Eau Claire started fast as they found themselves up 20-9 early on in the first half. Jacob Kohner (Sr.- Bloomington, MN/John F. Kennedy) would help spark the offense early scoring all seven of his points in the first half. The lead, however, would quickly be chipped away as the Warhawks would take a 26-24 lead heading into halftime.

The Warhawks would come out strong after the break, but at 16:06, Jack Martinek (Jr.- New Brighton, MN) would bury a three pointer to tie the game 36-36. Shortly after a George Diekelman (So.- Stevens Point, WI/SPASH) layup, Martinek would again put another three points on the board giving the Eau Claire a 41-39 lead. The game would go back and forth as both teams would go shot for shot.

With 1:25 left in the game, Warhawk Trinson White would convert both free throws bring Whitewater within one. White would go to the charity stripe again with only 52 seconds left, and would miss both free throws. The Blugolds then marched down the court and Diekelman made a three from the corner to push the lead to 57-53, bringing a packed Zorn Arena to life.

Martinek would have a stellar game as he scored 15 of his 21 total points in the second half shooting a perfect three for three from beyond the arc. Diekelman would also be an important part to the victory as he would score 14 of his total 16 points in the second half.

Eau Claire improves to 16-9 (9-5 WIAC) to close out the regular season. The Blugolds will be the No. 3 seed in the WIAC Tournament and will host No. 6 seed UW-Stevens Point on Wednesday, Feb. 24 at 7 p.m.