They have found their grove from the field, leading the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (WIAC) in three-point field goal percentage (38.9%) and are second in overall field-goal percentage (43.8%).

Complimented by tough interior defense that leads the conference in blocks per game (5.88), the team looks like a conference contender.

Teams that display a penchant for deep shooting can sometimes fall victim of their own success. The Blugolds are not immune to such streaks, going cold from the field at times.

In their conference opener against UW-Stevens Point, the Blugolds held a slight halftime lead before those shooting struggles (11-32 from the field in the second half and three-12 from three) proved costly.

Eau Claire traveled to UW-River Falls on Saturday, and while the outcome was never in question, the play was inconsistent.

The Blugolds started the game slow, hitting on only nine of 26 shots from the field in the first half, though they did hit five of 12 from three, but did claim a large halftime lead because of River Falls' own struggles from the field.

While River Falls was unable to correct the poor shooting, Eau Claire was, as they pushed their lead to nearly 30 before winning the game 59-36.

Eau Claire continues conference play on the road this week facing UW-Superior on Wednesday at 7 p.m. and Carroll (Wis.) on Saturday at 3 p.m.

Dec. 10 live stats | video

Dec. 12 live stats | video 

It will be the 73rd meeting between the Blugolds and Superior, with Eau Claire claiming 59 victories in the series.

Superior should prove to be tough competition, finishing close to the Blugolds in all statistical categories, and features three of the conference's top 10 leader scorers.

Carroll presents a potent offense, averaging 76.1 points per game, and boasts a scoring margin of 10.7. The Blugolds will be looking to snap Carroll's four-game win streak.

-MF-