By Tommy McGowan, UWEC Sports Information
EAU CLAIRE, Wis. (blugolds.com)- The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire men's basketball team lost a heartbreaker on Wednesday night to UW-Stout, 80-79.
Stout began the game on an 8-0 run, but the game was tied eight minutes in, and would remain close. Eau Claire would go into halftime able to build a 39-31 lead. Cam Kuepers (Jr.-Madison, WI/Lakeside Lutheran) was the leading scorer in the half for the Blugolds, notching 11 points. Cole Rabedeaux (Sr.-Poulsbo, WA/North Kitsap) added nine points and three assists.
The Blue Devils took back control with hot shooting to begin the second half, going up 47-45 with at the 12-minute mark. The game remained within one possession for most of the time remaining, and it was 80-78 with in the final seconds. Eau Claire couldn't convert both shots in their final two free throw opportunities, leaving them just short.
The Blugolds shot the ball well the entire second half, going 13-24 from the field and 50% from three-point. Eau Claire also spread the ball around, with all five starters recording 11 or more points.
Rabedeaux was once again the leading scorer for UWEC, finishing the night with 23 points, while Carter Brooks (Jr.-Lakeville, MN/North) added 14. Blake Wacholz (Sr.-Lakeville, MN/South) also played an important role, as he had five assists, five rebounds and three steals.
The loss drops Eau Claire to 10-3 on the season and 1-1 in Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference play. They'll get a chance for a rematch with Stout later in the month, when they go on the road there January 29th. Their next matchup will be away from home, as they travel to UW-Platteville this Saturday, which will tip at 7 PM. The game will tip off at 6 PM. Follow the action on Blugold Game Day or on the 'UWEC Blugolds' app from your mobile device.
