By Kyle Naber, UWEC Sports Information
EAU CLAIRE, WIS (Blugolds.com)- Just win and advance, that's the motto set forth by head coach Matt Siverling as the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire men's basketball team stays alive after defeating the University of Wisconsin-Steven's Point 72-66 Saturday night in Zorn Arena.
Box Score | Photos | WIAC Championship Website
In their first home playoff game since 2001, the Blugolds did not have an easy task as they took on the Pointers, who have been tough opponent to the Blugolds the last few years and won the national championship a year ago. This season is different though, as Eau Claire had its best conference finish since the 1999-2000 season where they finished in second place.
In the first half, it took a little bit before things got heated up. Jack Martinek (Jr. New Brighton, MN/Irondale) converted on a big three-point play to tie the game up at nine at the 12:58 mark in the first half. Stevens Point came right back at Eau Claire, matching them basket for basket. The Blugolds got a huge spark off the bench from Chris Duff (So.-Walker, MN) who quickly scored eight points. Tyson Kalien (Sr. - Chippewa Falls, WI/Chi-Hi) added a three-pointer right after, which extended the run to 11-0. The Pointers would be far from out of it, as they hit three straight threes to end the half with the scored even at 29.
The second half started fast with the Pointers going on a 9-2 run. Stevens Point was fighting off Eau Claire's best efforts to regain the lead, but the Blugolds would not quit. The Blugolds trimmed the lead down to four before an Adam Hjelter (Jr.-Hutchinson, MN/Hutchinson) steal, which lead to a lay-up from Jared Schneidermann (Jr.-Brooklyn Park, MN/Concordia Academy). The Pointers fought back to tie the game at 55 with 7:16 left, but Eau Claire never surrendered the lead and finished out the last minutes with an erupting crowd behind them. Martinek led the way for the Blugolds scoring 26 points, which sets a new season high. George Diekelman (So. – Stevens Point, WI/SPASH) was also impressive adding 19 points. Schneidermann also contributed a game-high 11 rebounds.
The Blugolds (17-9) move on the WIAC semifinals and will face the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh Friday night, with tip-off slated for 7:00 p.m. in Oshkosh.
