By Kyle Naber, UWEC Sports Information
EAU CLAIRE, Wis. (Blugolds.com) - The No. 10 University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire men's basketball team fell 70-62 to the UW-Oshkosh Saturday night at Zorn Arena in Eau Claire.
Live by the three, die by the three. Eau Claire's usually high-powered three-point attack was held in check for the second straight game and this time the Blugolds were unable to find an alternate route to victory. Coming into the week, Eau Claire was ranked seventh in the nation in three-point field goal percentage shooting 42.6 percent. In the last two match-ups, the Blugolds are 3-28 from deep.
In the first half it was the Titans coming out hot, resulting in Blugold timeout as the score was 12-4 early in favor of Oshkosh. Following the timeout, Eau Claire was still unable to stop the Titans as they went 16-9 run before the media timeout. The Blugolds struggled to stop Oshkosh's Charlie Noone, who had 18 of the Titans first 28 points. Following the media timeout, Eau Claire was able to cut the lead down to single digits before halftime, but still trailed 34-25.
In the second half, Eau Claire went on a 13-6 run to open the final frame and was able to cut down the Titan lead to just two. However, every time the Blugolds came close to taking the lead, it was Oshkosh who would pull away.
Eau Claire looked to pack one last run in to steal the victory and their first three-pointer came at an opportune time as Chris Duff (Jr. – Walker, MN) hit his shot with 2:32 left in the game. However, Oshkosh came right back matching the three-pointer. Then it was Josh Weix (So. – Eau Claire, WI/North), who drew the foul and converted on both free throws to bring it to a one possession game. The Titans would put away the Blugolds for good following a Noone jumper and a Ben Boots three-pointer to give them an eight-point advantage.
Overall, the Blugolds and Titans shot the same percentage (49.1) from the field as both teams were 26 of 53 on the night. Eau Claire left some crucial points at the line as they were just 9-15 at the free throw line, while Oshkosh was perfect (10-10).
Leading the way for Eau Claire was Weix who scored 23 points and added six rebounds. Jack Martinek (Sr. – New Brighton, MN/Irondale), hit his average and added 13 points. Jared Schneidermann (Sr. - Brooklyn Park, MN/Concordia Academy) also added another solid effort adding 10 points and eight rebounds.
Up next for Eau Claire is another home game, this time against I-94 rival, UW-Stout. Tip-off is set for 7:00 p.m. following a 4:30 p.m. varsity reserve game.
Follow all the action this season on Blugold Game Day.
