By Tommy McGowan, UWEC Sports Information

EAU CLAIRE, Wis. (blugolds.com) - The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire men's basketball team lost to No. 7 UW-Platteville Wednesday night, 80-56. It was the final regular season game at Zorn Arena in 2019-20, so seniors were honored at halftime.

Box Score | Miller Photos | Martin Photos

Both teams eclipsed 40 percent shooting in the first half, with the Blugolds building an early 11-2 advantage. Platteville tied the game with six minutes remaining in the period, and took a 35-28 lead into the halftime break.

Cam Kuepers (Jr.-Madison, WI/Lakeside Lutheran) led the way for Eau Claire in the first half, with 12 points and two three-pointers. Luke Reader (Fr.-Bangor, WI) also had six points.

Platteville built on their lead early in the second half, and the Blugolds couldn't quite chip away at it. They had it down to six with 14 minutes left, but hot shooting from the Pioneers gave them the separation they needed.

Eau Claire still shot at a 46 percent clip from the field in the second half, but couldn't keep up with 59 percent on the other side. Spencer Page (So.-Rice Lake, WI) had nine in the half, on 4-5 shooting.

Overall, the Blugolds finished with 44 percent shooting, and 33 percent from three-point. It was a clean game between the two, with just six free throws shot on the night.

Kuepers finished with 18 points, with Page adding 12 and Cole Rabedeaux (Sr.-Poulsbo, WA/North Kitsap) had eight. Rabedeaux also led the team assists, with four.

The Blugolds now sit at 17-7 overall and 8-5 in the conference. They will play their final regular season game this Saturday against UW-La Crosse, which will tip off at 3 PM. Follow the action on Blugold Game Day or on the 'UWEC Blugolds' app from your mobile device.