By Tommy McGowan, UWEC Sports Information
EAU CLAIRE, Wis. (blugolds.com)- The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire men's basketball team defeated Lawrence University (Wis.) Wednesday night, 72-63.
The Vikings struck first, and the rest of the first half was back-and-forth the whole way. Lawrence built an eight-point lead with five minutes remaining, but the Blugolds mounted a comeback, with the score at half being 36-34 in favor of Eau Claire. A steal from Cole Rabedeaux (Sr.-Poulsbo, WA/North Kitsap) and a layup marked the end of the period.
Despite shooting just 2-9 from three-point, Eau Claire finished the half shooting 51.6 percent from the field. The leading scorer was Rabedeaux with nine points, while Cam Kuepers (Jr.-Madison, WI/Lakeside Lutheran) added seven.
The Blugolds went on a run to begin the second half, scoring 12 straight points before the Vikings were able to respond. Eau Claire would keep this lead for the rest of the game, although things would tighten at the two-minute mark. Spencer Page (So.-Rice Lake, WI) hit a big jump shot when the lead dropped to just six points, and the Blugolds never looked back.
After the poor shooting from three point in the first, Eau Claire shot 5-7 from downtown in the second. They would finish the night 28-52 from the field, while holding the Vikings to just 39 percent. They also won the turnover battle, forcing 16 while totaling just nine.
Rabedeaux continues his impressive play, once again leading the Blugolds with 21 points. Page finished with 17 points while shooting 3-5 from three-point, while Blake Wacholz (Sr.-Lakeville, MN/South) did everything else, contributing six assists and three steals.
The victory moved Eau Claire to 8-1 on the season, and now winners of four straight. Their next game up will be away from Zorn Arena, as they square off against St. Norbert this Saturday the 14th. Follow the Blugolds on Blugold Game Day or on the 'UWEC Blugolds' app from your mobile device.
