By Emily Simonson, UWEC Sports Information
EAU CLAIRE, Wisc. (Blugolds.com) – The University of Wisconsin – Eau Claire men's basketball team hosted Carleton College at Zorn Arena on Monday night. The Blugold men ended up losing, 74-79.
The first points of the game for the Blugolds came from Cam Kuepers (So. – Madison, WI/Lakeside Lutheran). Carleton put up a good fight early on in the first half, playing neck-and-neck with the Blugolds. UW-Eau Claire started to pull away thanks to a three-point shot from Steve Christiansen (Sr. – Apple Valley, MN) and a series of points from Ben Widdes (Sr. – Rice Lake, WI) which led to a 19-14 advantage.
Spencer Page (Fr. – Rice Lake, WI) started strong in the game, shooting 4 of 4 from behind the three-point line, leading to an early 12 points midway through the first half for the newcomer. One of his three-point shots came at an important time and extended the Blugold lead, 22-18, after Carleton had been able to chip away at the Blugold lead.
As a team, UW-Eau Claire started the game 6 of 8 in three-point field goals, shooting an impressive 76.5 percent overall. The Blugolds were up 36-26 heading into the second media timeout of the first half. However, Carleton posed a comeback at the end of the first half, going into the locker room down by just two.
It was a tight start to the second half. Carleton obtained its first lead at 13:03 and UW-Eau Claire called a timeout, down 52-53. Carleton then made a three-point jump shot, taking a 56-52 lead. Widdes and Cole Rabedeaux (Jr. – Poulsbo, WA/North Kitsap) sank two three-point shots in a row to make the score 58-59. However, it would not be enough and Carleton came out on top.
Rabedeaux finished with 17 points for the Blugolds after an explosive second half of play. Page ended the night with 16 points. Rabedeaux and Page accounted for eight of the teams ten total three-point field goals on the night, after each sinking four. The Blugold bench came up big, contributing 28 points in the game.
The Blugolds (5-3) will stay home for their next game, as they face St. Norbert College on Saturday, November 15 at 5:00 p.m. For everything Blugold Athletics, visit Blugold Game Day or download the 'UWEC Blugolds' app on your mobile device.
