By Tommy McGowan, UWEC Sports Information
EAU CLAIRE, Wis. (blugolds.com)- The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire men's basketball team won their home opener Thursday night over Aurora (Ill.), 87-79. The night also served as Faculty/Staff Appreciation Night.
The Blugolds had a terrific offensive night, beginning at the 15-minute mark of the first half. Spencer Page (So.-Rice Lake, WI) hit two straight three-pointers to get the momentum on their side. They would maintain that lead through the end of the first half, 47-34.
Eau Claire was especially hot from downtown, connecting on 5-11 during the half. Page would finish the half with three from downtown, while Cole Rabedeaux (Sr.-Poulsbo, WA/North Kitsap) and Cam Kuepers (Jr.-Madison, WI/Lakeside Lutheran) added one each.
Things would get tight in the second half, with Aurora able to cut the lead down to a two-point game with 12 minutes left, and then eventually taking the lead a few minutes later. It remained a close game until a huge four-point play from Rabedeaux. It turned out to the real momentum changer in the half, as the Blugolds were eventually able to pull away. Late free throws from Rabedeaux and Luke Reader (Fr.-Bangor, WI) sealed the win.
Page led all Blugolds in scoring, dropping 25 points off 5-9 shooting from three-point. Rabedeaux added 18, while Carter Brooks (Jr.-Lakeville, MN/North) finished with 15. Reader proved to be a menace on defense, tallying three steals.
Now 2-0, Eau Claire gets the weekend off before returning to Zorn Arena Monday to square off against UW-Superior. They get will tip-off at 7 PM. Follow the Blugolds on Blugold Game Day or on the 'UWEC Blugolds' app from your mobile device.
