RIVER FALLS, Wis. (blugolds.com) — The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire men's basketball team caught fire from 3-point range to score a 71-53 victory over UW-River Falls on Wednesday night. The Blugolds knocked down 13 shots from behind the arc to win their WIAC opener and snap a four-game losing streak against the Falcons.
The Blugolds were lights out from long range early on, with their first seven field goals all coming from beyond the arc. Spencer Page (Sr. – Rice Lake, Wis.) made three and David Ijadimbola (Jr. – Brooklyn Park, Minn./Park Center) added two of his own as the Blugolds built a 21-9 lead behind their scorching shooting. The lead grew to as much as 18, but the Falcons began to chip away in the final five minutes of the half. They whittled it down to eight by halftime.
UW-Eau Claire's lead was seven when the Blugolds embarked on a 10-0 run early in the second half. The spurt was fueled by 3-pointers from Page and Michael Casper (Jr. – Merrill, Wis.). It built a 17-point cushion, and the Falcons didn't threaten much again the rest of the way.
Page and Casper both made four 3-pointers to lead the Blugolds. Ijadimbola and Carter Hanke (Sr. – Marathon, Wis.) added two apiece. UW-Eau Claire shot 54% from 3-point range.
Page led UW-Eau Claire with 16 points and added five rebounds. Casper had 14 points and two rebounds, and Hanke finished with 12 points. Brock Voigt (Sr. – Sun Prairie, Wis.) chipped in with nine points and five rebounds, and Alex Voigt (Sr. – Sun Prairie, Wis.) had eight points. The Blugolds won the rebounding battle 29-23.
The Blugolds continue conference play when they visit UW-La Crosse on Saturday, Dec. 3. Tip-off is scheduled for 7 p.m. It is the final WIAC game for UW-Eau Claire until conference action resumes in January.
Follow the Blugolds all season long at Blugold Game Day or on our app, UWEC Blugolds.
