WINONA, Minn. (Blugolds.com) – The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire men's basketball team kicked off their 2015-2016 season with an exhibition game against the Winona State Warriors at McCown Gymnasium on Thursday. The Blugolds fell 81-43 to the Warriors but the result won't affect their overall record this season.

The game was tied 9-9 less than five minutes into the contest, but a 20-4 run for the Warriors set the tone for the rest of the game. The Warriors, who play at the Division II level, would never lose control on their way to a 38-point victory.

George Diekelman (So. – Steven's Point, WI) led the Blugolds with 16 points on 7-12 shooting. He led all players in minutes, also adding six rebounds and two steals.

Thirteen different Blugolds saw time on the court as they got their first live-action against a different opponent since last season. Head Coach Matt Siverling enters his fourth season as head coach of the men's squad and now has over a week to get his team primed for regular season play.

The Blugolds host St. Thomas (Minn.) next Saturday, Nov. 14, at Zorn Arena for the season opener. That game is set for a 5:00 p.m. tip-off.