By Kyle Naber, UWEC Sports Information
EAU CLAIRE, Wis. (Blugolds.com)- For the first time since the 2002-03 season, the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire men's basketball team is 4-0 after the team secured a 79-49 win Saturday afternoon in Zorn Arena against Marian University(Wis).
Marian scored first and after that the Blugolds and the Sabres traded baskets. Just five minutes into the game, Marian's Reggie Roemer hit a three-pointer to tie up the game at nine all. But from this point on, it was all Eau Claire.
After being tied at nine the Blugolds would go on 34-18 run, giving them out to a 16-point lead heading into the locker room. Eau Claire was able to attack the hoop for most of their points in the first half. Josh Weix (So. – Eau Claire, WI/North) was hot out of the gate, getting started with 14 points.
The Blugolds picked up right where they left off in the first half, going on another huge run to salt away the 79-49 win. Weix continued his big game adding seven more points to give him a team-high 21 points.
Eau Claire was able to play fantastic defense in the win, holding the Sabres to just 23.3 percent (14-60) from the field. Counter to that, the Blugolds shot 49.2 percent (31-63) for the day. Eau Claire also outrebounded Marian 46-36. The Blugolds were able to get some valuable minutes to their bench, rotating in 19 different players.
The Blugolds have found a lot of success to the start of the season thanks to great shooting and solid defense. Eau Claire will have the week off, but will have a big test next weekend at the 33rd annual Washington University Lopata Classic. The Blugolds will take on Rhodes College (Tenn.). The Lynx have a high-powered offense, which currently ranks third in the nation, averaging 121 points per game. This will mark the first match up all-time against Rhodes.
Following the Rhodes match-up, Eau Claire will either have host Washington University (Mo.) or UC-Santa Cruz. The tournament will begin with Eau Claire's match-up against Rhodes College, with tip-off set for 6:00 p.m.
Follow all the action this season on Blugold Game Day.
