By Alex Richert, UWEC Sports Information
Eau Claire, Wis. (Blugolds.com) – The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire men's basketball team improve to 5-5 in the WIAC with a 84-63 victory over the UW-Platteville Pioneers (13-8, 6-4 WIAC on Monday night.
The Blugolds stung the Pioneers during the first half ,converting nine three-pointers while also converting 65 percent from the floor. Eau Claire's defense also came big to start by allowing only 38 percent from the floor. The strong offense and solid defensive performance consequently gave the Blugolds a 45-31 lead at halftime. Eau Claire carried momentum into the second half eventually securing a 25-point lead.
Leading scorers for the Blugolds were Cole Rabedeaux (Jr. – Poulsbo, WA/North Kitsap) (21), Spencer Page (Fr. – Rice Lake, WI) (13), Sean Miller (Jr. – Waukesha, WI/Kettle Moraine) (11), and Ben Widdes (Sr. – Rice Lake, WI) (10). Miller added a team-high seven rebounds while Widdes led the floor in assists with four. Steve Christiansen (Sr. – Apple Valley, MN) added two blocks in the contest as well.
Eau Claire tallied 13 three-pointers during the game and were able to tally 35 bench points to Platteville's eight.
Eau Claire (12-9, 5-5 WIAC) will look to continue their positive trend in Menomonie where they play the UW-Stout Blue Devils (6-15, 0-10 WIAC) on Wednesday, February 6 in a double-header where both the men and women will compete away from their home court. Follow the action on Blugold Game Day or on the 'UWEC Blugolds' app' on your mobile device.
