By Emily Simonson, UWEC Sports Information
LA CROSSE, Wis. (Blugolds.com) – The University of Wisconsin – Eau Claire men's basketball team traveled to La Crosse to face the No. 25 Eagles on Saturday night. The Blugolds won their fourth game in a row, after defeating UW-La Crosse 61-52.
The beginning of the game set up what was looking like a very close matchup after multiple lead changes within the first 15 minutes of play. However, the Blugolds started to pull away after a three pointer by Spencer Page (Fr. – Rice Lake, WI) which would kick start a 7-0 run for the team. Eau Claire would go into the locker room up five on La Crosse.
Steve Christiansen (Sr. – Apple Valley, MN) sank a three to start things off in the second half and Page produced seven points in a row to put the Blugolds up by 15 points. The Blugolds were hot offensively in the second half thanks to multiple drives to the basket, resulting in La Crosse pulling their defenders in, leaving Blugold players open at the arc. The Blugolds made five of six three pointers in the second half which was a key to the win. Eau Claire's biggest lead would come at one minute remaining in regulation and although La Crosse would try to facilitate a comeback, free throw shooting would seal the win for the Blugold men.
Blake Wacholz (Jr. – Lakeville, MN/Lakeville South) was a star player for the Blugolds, finishing with 13 points, including shooting 6-6 from the free throw line. Page also recorded a total of 13 points, with Ben Widdes (Sr. – Rice Lake, WI) and Cam Kuepers (So. – Madison, WI/Lakeside Lutheran) not far behind with ten. Eau Claire yielded an impressive 34 bench points, 28 points in the paint, and 14 fast break points throughout the game.
The Blugolds (14-9, 7-5 WIAC) will be back at Zorn Arena on Wednesday, February 13, for a 7:00 p.m. game against UW-River Falls. Follow the action on Blugold Game Day or on the 'UWEC Blugolds' app on your mobile device.