By Tommy McGowan, UWEC Sports Information
NORTHFIELD, Minn. (blugolds.com)- The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire men's basketball team defeated St. Olaf (Minn.) on the road Monday night, improving their record to 9-2 overall.
The Blugold offense leaned on their three-point shooting through the first half, going 5-11 from downtown. They were able to build a 14-point lead by the ten-minute mark, thanks to multiple threes from Cole Rabedeaux (Sr.-Poulsbo, WA/North Kitsap) and Carter Brooks (Jr.-Lakeville, MN/North). St. Olaf managed to cut into that lead during the closing minutes of the half, but Eau Claire went into the halftime break with a 36-31 lead. Rabedeaux had 13 points at the break, along with three steals.
A quick 8-0 run from UWEC to begin the second helped them gain separation. Despite a cold stretch of shooting halfway through the period, they maintained a double-digit lead until the nine-minute mark left in the game. From that point on, the game would be extremely competitive, with neither able to put the other away.
Heading into the final minute, Eau Claire held a four-point lead. It came down to free throws, where the Blugolds displayed their clutch shooting ability. Brooks hit two to make it a six-point game, while Spencer Page (So.-Rice Lake, WI) sealed the game with less than ten seconds remaining.
Although Eau Claire didn't shoot as well from three in the second half (3-9), they did shoot well from the field overall in the period, going 14-25 (56%).
Rabedeaux would finish the night with 26 points in total, making it his fifth game of the season with over 20 points. Brooks added 15, while Cam Kuepers (Jr.-Madison, WI/Lakeside Lutheran) had 17. On defense, Rabedeaux and Blake Wacholz (Sr.-Lakeville, MN/South) both had three steals apiece.
This game was the final non-conference test of the season for the Blugolds, who begin Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference action on Saturday, January 4th. That game will be against UW-Whitewater and will be at Zorn Arena. Follow the action on Blugold Game Day or on the 'UWEC Blugolds' app from your mobile device.
