By Kyle Naber, UWEC Sports Information
PLATTEVILLE, Wis. (Blugolds.com)- The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire men's basketball team returned to form in a 83-66 victory over the UW-Platteville Wednesday night at Bo Ryan Court.
The Blugolds were able to get all of their starters going in this one, something that has been lacking of late. Eau Claire came out of the gate slow but picked up steam and continued to press. After opening on the odd side of a 6-2 run, the Blugolds fought their way back to take a 12-11 lead with 13:09 left in the first half.
Following a Josh Weix (So. – Eau Claire, WI/North) three-pointer, Platteville's Robert Duaxe would regain the lead for the Pioneers with a jumper. This lead, however, would end up being the last of the game for Platteville. From there it was all Eau Claire. The Blugolds would finish the half on a 19-10 run to take a 34-26 advantage into the locker room.
The lead never wavered in the second half, as Eau Claire really put the gas on. The Blugolds' hot shooting would propel them to a lightening quick 20-7 run to open the final frame. The Pioneers had no answer for the Blugolds, as Eau Claire cruised to the win.
For the game, Eau Claire shot 58.2 percent (32-55) from the field and 58.8 percent (10-17) from behind the arc.
Six different Blugolds hit a three-pointer for Eau Claire in the win as four players hit double figures. Leading the way was Weix, who matched his uniform number with 23 points and added six rebounds. For Weix, this was his sixth effort with 20 points or more this season. Following him was Chris Duff (Jr. –Walker, MN) with 16 points and George Diekelman (Jr. – Stevens Point, WI/SPASH), who finished with 15 points while Jack Martinek (Sr. – New Brighton, MN/Irondale) chipped in 11.
The win for Eau Claire is big as the team was able to move back into a tie for third place in the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (WIAC). Additionally, the win gives Eau Claire their first regular season sweep over the Pioneers since the 1990-91 season.
Eau Claire (16-6, 6-5 WIAC) looks to continue to keep things rolling on Saturday as they host UW-La Crosse. Tip-off is set for 5 p.m.
Follow all the action on Blugold Game Day.
