By Kyle Naber, UWEC Sports Information
FOND DU LAC, Wis. (Blugolds.com) - The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire men's basketball team earned their first win of the season Tuesday night with a 79-57 victory over Marian University (Wis.) at Sadoff Gymnasium.
Head Coach Matt Siverling was looking for a spark as he gave Peninsula College (Wash.) transfer, Cole Rabedaux (So. - Poulsbo, WA/North Kitsap) his first start as a Blugold. The sophomore led the Blugolds by scoring 15 points, shooting 5 for 7 from the field.
Eau Claire found themselves on the odd side of a 9-2 run early on, but responded quickly with a 9-0 run to tie the game up at 11. The first half would be a back and forth shootout as there would be six lead changes and three ties in the half. Rabedaux hit a 3-point buzzer-beater to end the first half, extending the Blugold lead to five.
The Blugolds opened the second half on a 10-4 run including back-to-back 3-pointers from Chris Duff (Sr. – Walker, MN) and Rabedaux. From there, Eau Claire's hot shooting propelled them to a lead. The Blugolds knocked down 5 of 11 3-pointers in the second half.
George Diekelman (Sr. – Stevens Point, WI/SPASH) had another solid performance for Eau Claire as he added a double-double in the win with 13 points and 13 rebounds.
The Blugolds were able to play all 16 players in the win, providing some key minutes for their underclassmen. Eau Claire's bench had their best game of the season adding 25 points after previously adding just 12 points through two games.
The Blugolds (1-2) will enjoy their Thanksgiving following the win and will look to start a run as they return to Eau Claire for their home opener on Saturday where they will take on Minnesota-Morris. Tip-off is set for 5:00 p.m. Follow all the action on Blugold Game Day.
