By Tommy McGowan, UWEC Sports Information
EAU CLAIRE, Wis. (blugolds.com)- The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire men's basketball team lost to UW-Oshkosh on Wednesday night, 82-66.
The Blugolds had a strong shooting first half, as they went 13-27 (48%) from the field. However, the five threes from Oshkosh made a difference, as they went into halftime with a 36-34 lead. The top scorer in the half for Eau Claire was Blake Wacholz (Sr.-Lakeville, MN/South) with 13. Wacholz went 5-9 on field goals and got to the free throw line, going 3-4 from the stripe.
A jumper from Cole Rabedeaux (Sr.-Poulsbo, WA/North Kitsap) gave Eau Claire the lead at the 16-minute mark in the second, 42-41. UWEC would hold that lead until there were five minutes remaining, when a Titan three broke the 64-64 tie. Hot shooting from Oshkosh the rest of the way sealed their win.
Even though the Blugolds still shoot the ball well in the second, they couldn't keep up with the Oshkosh offense, which shot 61% from the field in the half. The Titans finished the night with 10 total threes, which was too much for Eau Claire, who couldn't find their rhythm from downtown.
Wacholz would end up as the leading scorer for UWEC, with 21 in total. It is a new season high for the veteran guard. Rabedeaux added 13 points as well, while Carter Brooks (Jr.-Lakeville, MN/North) notched eight points, four blocks and five assists.
The loss leaves Eau Claire 10-5 overall and now 1-3 in the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference. Things won't get any easier for the Blugolds, as their next two games will be on the road, starting with UW-Stevens Point this Saturday. Follow the action on Blugold Game Day or on the 'UWEC Blugolds' app from your mobile device.
