By Tommy McGowan, UWEC Sports Information
EAU CLAIRE, Wis. (blugolds.com)- The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire men's basketball team won their third straight to begin the 2019 season on Monday night, beating UW-Superior 75-69.
The first half neither team was able to build a lead, with both trading buckets. Even though late free throws from Superior made it a one-point game, Eau Claire entered halftime up 31-30. Spencer Page (So.-Rice Lake, WI) continued his hot shooting during the half, with nine points and two three-pointers made. Carter Brooks (Jr.-Lakeville, MN/North) was also stroking the ball well, knocking down 3-5 from behind the line.
Things stayed extremely close deep into the second half. Down 66-65, a timeout from Eau Claire proved to be a real momentum changer. Page hit a three out of the timeout, and the Blugolds would finally be able to pull away. Cam Kuepers (Jr.-Madison, WI/Lakeside Lutheran) knocked down a trey a minute later, while Blake Wacholz (Sr.-Lakeville, MN/South) made late free throws to seal the deal.
The Blugolds continue to shoot the ball extremely well, hitting 51 percent from the field in this one and going 9-22 from downtown (40.9%). They also hit their free ones, going 16-19 from the free throw line.
Kuepers finished the day as the leading scorer for Eau Claire, finishing with 18 and also grabbing seven rebounds. Cole Rabedeaux (Sr.-Poulsbo, WA/North Kitsap) contributed 17, while Page had 16. Brooks was very important on the glass for Eau Claire, totaling nine rebounds.
Sitting at 3-0, the Blugolds go on the road to Washington University to participate in the Lopata Classic this weekend. They will begin play against Whitworth, tipping off Friday at 5 PM. Follow the Blugolds on Blugold Game Day or on the 'UWEC Blugolds' app from your mobile device.
