By Tommy McGowan, UWEC Sports Information
EAU CLAIRE, Wis. (blugolds.com) - The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire men's basketball team defeated UW-Stevens Point in the First Round of the WIAC Championships Tuesday night, 65-59.
Box Score | WIAC Championship Website | Hoepner Photos | Miller Photos
Cam Kuepers (Jr.-Madison, WI/Lakeside Lutheran) would begin the scoring for the Blugolds, but the game remained tight through the first 12 minutes of the half. With seven minutes remaining, Eau Claire went on a 16-4 run to gain a double-digit advantage. They went into halftime up 36-20.
Eau Claire put up terrific shooting numbers during the first, shooting 61 percent from the field and 56 percent from three-point. Kuepers was the leading scorer at the break with 11, while Carter Brooks (Jr.-Lakeville, MN/North) hit both three-pointers he attempted.
The Blugolds retained a comfortable lead for most of the second half, until the game tightened in the final minutes. Up 58-50 with three minutes left, UWEC withstood a 7-2 run from the Pointers. Brooks nailed a clutch jumper with 25 seconds remaining to keep the Blugolds on top. The final three points came off free throws from Brooks and Kuepers, who was fouled right as the game finished.
Eau Claire had one of their best shooting performances of the season at the right time, finishing shooting 56 percent overall. They nailed nine three-pointers in total, with multiple coming from Brooks, Cole Rabedeaux (Sr.-Poulsbo, WA/North Kitsap), and Spencer Page (So.-Rice Lake, WI).
In addition to the big bucket in the final minute, Brooks led UWEC with 17 points on 6-7 shooting. He also grabbed seven rebounds and was a force on defense, blocking three shots. Three other Blugolds scored double-digit points in Kuepers, Rabedeaux and Brooks.
Next up for the Blugolds will be the WIAC Semifinals, where they will face the No. 1 seed in the league, UW-Platteville. The Pioneers are also ranked No. 6 in Division III. The game will be this Thursday at Platteville, scheduled to tip at 7 PM. Visitor section tickets are on sale now through Wednesday at noon. After that time online ticket sales will be closed and all remaining sales will take place starting at 5:30 p.m. at the door.
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