By Alex Richert, UWEC Sports Information
MENOMONIE, Wis. (blugolds.com) – The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire men's basketball team suffered their first loss of the season on Friday night, falling to the Bethel Royals by a score of 72-56.
Playing in the UW-Stout Tip-Off Tournament, the Blugolds struggled behind the arc (2-9) during the first half and found themselves trailing by 16 points after the first half of play.
The Blugolds matched the Royals point for point in the second half but were unable to gain an edge on Bethel to fall to 1-1 on the season.
The Royals shot 48.2 percent from the field while holding the Blugolds to 37.9 percent.
Steve Christiansen (Sr. – Apple Valley, MN) and teammate Cole Rabedeaux (Jr. - Poulsbo, WA/North Kitsap) led the team in points with 13 points apiece. Rabedeaux also led Eau Claire with eight rebounds to lead the team.
The Blugolds will be looking to start a new win streak in tomorrow's game against McMurry (Texas) in their second and final game of the tournament. Follow the action on Blugold Game Day or on the 'UWEC Blugolds' app on your mobile device.