By: Christian Kiener, UWEC Sports Information
EAU CLAIRE, Wis. (blugolds.com) – The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire men's basketball team finished up their home season Wednesday for Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (WIAC) play as they hosted the UW-Stevens Point Pointers. In their final home game of the season, the Blugolds would make a defensive stand at the end to earn a 60-59 victory.
The Blugolds broke out on a hot start lead by Spencer Page (Jr. – Rice Lake, WI) driving in the lane coupled with 3's from Michael Casper(So. – Merrill, WI) and Carter Brooks (Sr. – Lakeville, MN) to take a 17-7 lead 5 minutes into the half. However the Blugolds would go cold for the remainder of the half, but more three's from Casper would help keep Eau Claire ahead 29-24 at the half.
Both teams would battle back and forth for the first 10 minutes, but then Casper and Cade Hall (So. – Mauston, WI) would help take the Blugolds on a 16-6 run and push the lead to 58-47 with 7 minutes to go. The Pointers however would close back in and take a one-point lead with 2 minutes left in the game. Hall would continue is night with a driving layup in the final minute to the Blugolds back up by 1. Back-to-back defensive stands by Eau Claire would finish off the Pointers and Eau Claire would come out with a 60-59 win.
Hall would end the game with 14 of his 16 points coming in the second half while Casper would go 4-8 from downtown also adding 16 points. Carter Brooks made his Senior Night statement by having his first Double-Double of the Season with 13 Points and 13 Rebounds.
The Blugolds (11-13, WIAC 4-9) will be on the road Wednesday to wrap up the regular season and WIAC play at #5 UW-Platteville. Tipoff is scheduled for 7pm.
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