By Kyle Naber, UWEC Sports Information
SUPERIOR, Wis. (Blugolds.com)- Fresh off of upsetting No. 4 St. Norbert College, the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire men's basketball team continued a hot start to the season with a 95-74 win over the UW-Superior Saturday evening at the Mertz Mortorellli Gymnasium.
The Blugolds started right where they left off on Tuesday, opening the game with an 11-5 run. The Yellowjackets continued to put pressure on Eau Claire, closing the gap and continuing to hang around. Just under the midway point of the first half, Superior took their first lead of the game. After a layup from Superior's Rob Lander, the Yellowjackets took a 26-22 lead with just over nine minutes left to play in the first half. This would end up being Superior's largest lead of the evening. Following a George Diekelman (Jr. – Stevens Point, WI/SPASH) jumper and a layup from Josh Weix (So. – Eau Claire, WI/North), the Blugolds would tie it up at 26 all. The Yellowjackets responded with a layup from Kevin Gutter, which would give them their last lead of the day. From there, the Blugolds fought their way to finish with a five-point half time lead, 50-45.
In the second half, it was all Eau Claire. The Blugolds continued to break down the Yellowjackets as the second half wore on. Despite a great fight, the Eau Claire lead continued to grow. Every time Superior tried to cut down the lead, it was Eau Claire coming right back. After a layup to pull the Yellowjackets within 11 at the 7:13 mark, it was the Blugolds finishing strong by going on a 16-6 run for the win.
After an eight-point outing in the season opener, last season's leading scorer and senior Jack Martinek (Sr. – New Brighton, MN/Irondale) had a nice bounce back game scoring 17 points (7-9 FG) while also adding four rebounds and three steals. The Blugolds were led in this one by Diekelman who finished with 19 points, eight assists, and four steals.
Overall, it was an impressive display of scoring from Eau Claire as each member of the starting lineup scored in double digits. The Blugolds were able to show great aggressiveness to the hoop by getting to the line 22 times. Eau Claire was able to take advantage of these opportunities by converting on 77.3 percent (17-22) of their free throws.
The Blugolds forced 17 turnovers, compared to giving up only 10. Eau Claire narrowly outrebounded the Yellowjackets 29-26, but shot the ball much better shooting 60 percent from the field.
Eau Claire will play another double-header home series on Tuesday, November 22nd. This time it will be the women's team taking the floor at 6:00 p.m. with the men following at 8:00 p.m. The women will take on St. Norbert College, while the men will match up with Northland College.
Follow all the action this season on Blugold Game Day.
