MADISON, Wis. (Blugolds.com) - The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire men's basketball player Cole Rabedeaux (Poulsbo, Wash./North Kitsap),and women's basketball player Kelsey Bakken (Marshall, Wis.) have each been named Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (WIAC) Athletes of the Week, it was announced today by Assistant Commissioner of Media Relations Matt Stanek.
Rabedeaux led the Blugolds to a 1-1 record at the Music City Tournament in Nashville, Tenn. He broke a school record and averaged 37.0 points, shot 59 percent (26-of-44) from the field and averaged 3.5 rebounds per game in the two contests. Against Bridgewater State College (Mass.) on Dec. 29, Rabedeaux scored 30 points, including 4-of-7 from behind the arc, while adding six rebounds and two steals. In a dominating win over Mt. Alyosious College (Penn.) on Dec. 30, he set a school record for made and attempted three-pointers, connecting on 11-of-18, which broke Andy Fisher's nine made three's set in 1996 and Dustin Kalien's 16 attempts in 2013. Rabedeaux was also 16-for-25 from the field in 33 minutes of play.
Bakken led the Blugold women to a 2-0 record at the Music City Tournament in Nashville, Tenn. She averaged 19.0 points, shot 53 percent (17-of-32) from the field, averaged 7.5 rebounds and 5.0 steals per game in the two games. In a 71-60 triumph over St. Norbert College (Wis.) on Dec. 29, Bakken scored 22 points on 9-of-8 shooting, including 3-of-8 from behind the arc. She also recorded a game-best nine rebounds, six steals and six assists. In the Blugolds’ 76-40 win over Beloit College (Wis.) on Dec. 30, Bakken tallied 19 points with a 57.1 shooting percentage (8-of-14), and added six rebounds and four steals.
Both teams earned their first WIAC wins over UW-River Falls on January 2. The men's team will travel to UW-Whitewater on Saturday January 5, while the women will host UW-Whitewater at Zorn Arena at 5:00pm. Follow all the Blugold teams in action on Blugold Game Day or on the 'UWEC Blugolds' app on your mobile device.
