By Kyle Naber, UWEC Sports Information
EAU CLAIRE, Wis. (Blugolds.com)- In the 191st meeting of the War on I-94, the No. 12 University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire returned to its wining ways defeating rival UW-Stout 80-62 Wednesday night at Zorn Arena.
The Blugolds ranked first in the nation in field goal percentage used their hot shooting to earn another win against the Blue Devils. The rivalry, which began back in 1917 with a 31-18 loss, has flipped back into Eau Claire's favor as they have now won five straight against Stout. This run improves the all-time record to 118-72-1, the tie came in a 23-23 game back the 1919-1920 season.
In the first half, the Blugolds' dynamic frontcourt duo of Jack Martinek (Sr. – New Brighton, MN/Irondale) and George Diekelman (Jr. – Stevens Point, WI/SPASH) helped the team jump out to a quick 6-0 lead. Stout would respond with a pair of three-pointers to help the Blue Devils get right back into it. After another Stout three-pointer, the Blugolds would go on a 8-3 run, thanks to five points from Deondre Lucas (Sr. – Norcross, GA/Meadowcreek), to build their lead back up.
From there, Eau Claire would continue to put the pressure on the Blue Devils. By the halftime buzzer's sound, the Blugolds had built a 15-point advantage. Eau Claire already had three starters in double-digit point totals by the end of the half.
In the second half, Stout would continue to try and fight their way back into the contest, but Eau Claire did not make it easy. Every time they chipped away at the lead, the Blugolds would build it right back up. The Blue Devils were able to trim the Eau Claire lead down to eight, but the Blugolds would go on a finishing run to cruise to their 13th win of the season.
Overall, Eau Claire was led by Martinek, who had 21 points. Following him was Diekelman with 15 points and Chris Duff (Jr. – Walker, MN) who added 12 points. Jared Schneidermann (Sr. - Brooklyn Park, MN/Concordia Academy) provided another big game on the glass hauling in a game-high 14 rebounds and adding six points.
The Blugold bench made a big impact, providing 20 of the team's 80 points, compared to just three from their last outing. Sean Miller (Fr. – Waukesha, WI/Kettle Moraine) led the way with 10.
The Blugolds (13-3, 3-2 WIAC) will hit the road for their next conference match-up against the UW-Stevens Point (8-7, 2-3 WIAC). Tip-off set for 7:00 p.m.
Follow the action all season long on Blugold Game Day.