WHEATON, Ill. (blugolds.com) – The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire men's basketball team traveled south to play in the Lee Pfund Classic, hosted by Wheaton College. UW-Eau Claire faced Nebraska Wesleyan in the opening game of the tournament. Despite trailing 37-36 at half, the Blugolds kept the Prairie Wolves under 30% in shooting percentage and earned the 72-56 victory.
Spencer Page (Sr. – Rice Lake, WI) opened the scoring with a jumper in the paint to earn UWEC a 2-0 lead to start the game. The response from NWU was strong as they went on a 16-3 run in the following seven minutes to build an 11-point lead.
The Prairie Wolves advantage held for the remainder of the first half despite the Blugolds gathering more rebounds and steals. Brock Voight (Jr. – Sun Prairie, WI) led the team with seven of his eleven points in the first 20 minutes. His brother, Alex Voigt (Jr. – Sun Prairie, WI) tallied two assists to help keep the Blugolds in the game.
The second half was a different story as UWEC closed the deficit in the first five minutes and held control for the remainder of the contest. Michael Casper (So. – Merrill, WI) missed only two shots in the second frame as he hit four jumpers and three 3-pointers for a second half total of 11. Adding to his six the half prior, Casper led the team with 17 points for his career high as a Blugold.
Casper and Nolan Blair (So. – Stevens Point, WI/SPASH) led UWEC in the second half as they were both +21 with over 13 minutes of play each. B. Voight led the Blugolds in rebounds with seven rebounds in the last half and a game total of ten (3 off, 7 def).
The Blugolds will advance to the championship game of the Lee Pfund Classic on Saturday, November 20th when they play the hosts, No. 6 ranked Wheaton College. Tip off is scheduled for 7PM.
Follow the Blugolds all season long at Blugold Game Day or on our app, UWEC Blugolds.
