By Tommy McGowan, UWEC Sports Information
EAU CLAIRE, Wis. (blugolds.com) - The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire men's basketball team won their fourth straight game Wednesday night, defeating UW-River Falls 70-66.
The Blugolds began the game on a 7-2 run, but the rest of the first half was tight the whole way. River Falls ended the half on a 11-1 run to take a 12-point lead into the halftime break, 32-20.
Cam Kuepers (Jr.-Madison, WI/Lakeside Lutheran) led the way in the period for Eau Claire, scoring eight points on 3-4 shooting. Cole Rabedeaux (Sr.-Poulsbo, WA/North Kitsap) also added six.
After falling behind 18 within the first few minutes of the second, UWEC began chipping away at that lead. A three-pointer from Carter Brooks (Jr.-Lakeville, MN/North) completed the comeback, tying the game at 55 with seven minutes remaining. Rabedeaux gave the Blugolds their first lead since the early first half moments later.
With a one-point lead, 59-58, Eau Claire got a free throw from Rabedeaux and then another big three from Brooks to gain separation. Down the stretch, Rabedeaux knocked down four free throws to finish off the Falcons.
The Blugolds finished the night shooting 47 percent from the field and nailed 12 three-pointers. They also forced 13 turnovers from River Falls.
Rabedeaux was honored prior to the game after joining the 1,000-point club this past weekend. He responded by stuffing the stat sheet full tonight, scoring 27 points, grabbing seven rebounds and collecting five steals. Brooks also supplied 18, while Kuepers had 15.
The recent four-game win streak moves Eau Claire to 16-6 overall and now 7-4 in the league. They'll travel to Whitewater this weekend before their final home game of the 2019-20 season against UW-Platteville next Wednesday. Follow the action on Blugold Game Day or on the 'UWEC Blugolds' app from your mobile device.
