By Kyle Naber, UWEC Sports Information
RIVER FALLS, Wis. (Blugolds.com)- The No. 7 University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire men's basketball team came up just short against the No. 17 ranked UW-River Falls, 60-59 to open WIAC play Wednesday night at the R.A. Karges Center in River Falls.
Eau Claire returned to the state of Wisconsin following two victories in the D3hoops.com Classic in Las Vegas. Division rival, UW-River Falls, greeted the Blugolds on their home court.
Eau Claire took no time getting to work in this one, opening the game on a quick 7-2 run capped by a three-pointer from senior Jack Martinek (Sr. New Brighton, MN/Irondale). However, this game was circled on both team's calendars as it had the makings of an instant classic. Before you could even blink, the Falcon knotted it up, going on a 5-0 run.
The two WIAC foes would trade baskets until River Falls broke free mounting a six-point lead with 5:41 left in the first half. The Blugolds would fight back to regain their lead. With just over two minutes left in the first half, a George Diekelman (Jr. – Stevens Point, WI/SPASH) lay-up would give Eau Claire a 26-25 advantage. Following that, the Falcons would once again fight off the Blugolds taking a 29-27 lead into the break.
Eau Claire would take a few minutes to get going in the second half but following back-to-back threes from Chris Duff (Jr. – Walker, MN) and Martinek, the game was tied at 36. After this the Blugolds would take the lead and they did just enough to hold onto it for the next 14 minutes. But River Falls packed in one last strong run to tie the game again.
In the final minutes of the game, Eau Claire saw its narrow lead vanish, but continued to fight taking a 59-57 lead after a lay-up from Duff. Neither team scored for over a minute and with just 29 seconds remaining it looked like Eau Claire caught the break they needed as the Blugolds were fouled on a defensive rebound and went to the free throw line. However, a miss and Falcon rebound gave the home squad another chance to take the lead. With 13 seconds left, River Falls hit a three-pointer to give them the one-point advantage. Eau Claire managed to get a shot off before the final buzzer but it would not fall, leaving the Blugolds just short of avoiding the upset.
"I said this would be a solid game," said Head Coach Matt Siverling. "They are a good team and they match up with us really well."
Following the loss, Eau Claire falls to 10-2 on the season, while the red-hot Falcons added their ninth straight win and improve to 10-1 on the season. Additionally, the Falcons remain perfect 4-0 at home.
Up next for Eau Claire is another tough test in No. 11 UW-Whitewater. The Blugolds will look to remedy the loss as they return to Zorn Arena to continue WIAC play. Tip off is set for 5 p.m on Saturday, January 7th.
Follow all the action this season on Blugold Game Day.
