By Kyle Naber, UWEC Sports Information
WHITEWATER, WIS. (Blugolds.com) - After dropping the last three of four WIAC conference match-ups, the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire men's basketball team responded in a big way to earn the 66-63 victory over the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater at Kachel Gymnasium in Whitewater Saturday night.
The Warhawks came out firing early and quickly held an 11-6 advantage. At the half way point of the half, the Blugolds came storming back to tie it at 17 all thanks to three shots from behind the arc, including two from Tyson Kalien (Sr. - Chippewa Falls, WI/Chi-Hi). Eau Claire continued to fight in a back and fourth game. The Blugolds were unable to take the lead, but continued to be in striking distance throughout the half. When the halftime buzzer sounded, Eau Claire faced just a one point deficit.
In the second half, the Blugolds took their first lead of the game since scoring the game's first point courtesy of a three point shot from Jacob Kohner (Sr.-Bloomington, MN/John F. Kennedy). Jack Martinek (Jr. New Brighton, MN/Irondale) extended the lead after knocking down the jumper, but the Warhawks came back by going on a 6-0 run to take the lead once again. Both teams continued to trade three pointers and layups as the half continued to come to a close. Jared Schneidermann (Jr.-Brooklyn Park, MN/Concordia Academy) gave Eau Claire an eight point lead after hitting a jumper with just over two minutes left. Once again, the Warhawks came storming back to make it a two point game with 32 seconds remaining. Kalien hit both free throws to make it a four point game with 13 seconds left. A quick three from Whitewater kept them alive, but two more free throws from George Diekelman (So. – Stevens Point, WI/SPASH) and a steal from Chris Duff (So. – Walker, MN/W.H.A HS) sealed the win for Eau Claire.
The Blugold starters were excellent in this one, scoring all but four of the team's points. Schneidermann had a big game scoring 20 points, while adding 7 rebounds, 2 assists and 2 blocks. As a team the Blugolds shot exactly 50% (26-52) on the night.
With the win, Eau Claire snaps a 12 game losing streak to Whitewater, their last win against the Warhawks came on January 16th, 2010. (80-67) The Blugolds move to (10-7, 3-3 WIAC) on the season and will look to ride the momentum into a Wednesday night matchup with the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh, tip-off is set for 7:00pm.
