By Kyle Naber, UWEC Sports Information
EAU CLAIRE, Wis. (Blugolds.com)- The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire men's basketball team will have no problem coming up with plenty of things to be thankful for this Thanksgiving. The Blugolds continued their hot start to the season with a 73-55 victory over Northland College Tuesday night in Zorn Arena.
Eau Claire took a little bit to get going as Northland College came out strong. But the Blugolds went to work and continued to do what they have done best to start the season-play solid defense and work for solid shots.
Eau Claire was able to able to cruise to a victory in this one thanks to another strong effort from Josh Weix (So. – Eau Claire, WI/North). The Eau Claire native had a huge game, leading the scoring with 22 points (10-13 FGs) and adding a team-high seven rebounds and four assists. Chris Duff (Jr. – Walker, MN) continued to shoot well as he was able to add 15 points including three shots from beyond the arc.
George Diekelman (Jr. – Stevens Point, WI/SPASH) was also able to contribute a nice line to the stat sheet in the win. The Stevens Point product finished with 13 points (6-6 FTs), five rebounds, and four assists.
One notable for Northland College was Matt Zorn, who was able to hit his only shot of the game for a three-pointer. Zorn, the great-grandson of former Blugold coach W.L. Zorn, was able to play in arena named for his great-grandfather. W.L. Zorn coached the Blugolds for 40 years and led Eau Claire to the NAIA National Tournament in 1939, 1945, 1946, 1951 and 1956.
Eau Claire dominated the boards in the win, out-rebounding the Lumberjacks 41-27. The Blugolds took advantage of opportunities and were able to pull in 10 offensive rebounds.
Eau Claire, out to their first 3-0 start since the 2009-10 season, will return to Ken Anderson Court at Zorn Arena on November 26th to take on Marian College (0-4) with tip-off set for 3:00 p.m. The Blugolds will look to get their first 4-0 start since 2002-03.
Follow all the action this season on Blugold Game Day.
