WHEATON, Ill. (blugolds.com) – The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire men's basketball team competed in the Lee Pfund Classic Championship game on Saturday. The Blugolds faced the host school and No. 6 ranked Wheaton College Thunder. The Blugolds held with the Thunder for the full 40-minutes of play but eventually suffered their first loss of the season, 85-77.
The largest lead of the game came in the first four minutes as Wheaton capitalized off three UWEC turnovers during a 10-0 run to create a ten-point lead at 20-10. Eau Claire battled back through the rest of the half to close the deficit to just four points at halftime. Spencer Page (Sr. – Rice Lake, WI) led the team in points after 20-minutes of play with 13 points.
In the second half, the Thunder pushed to extend their lead right out of the gate as they enlarged the UWEC deficit to 9 just minutes into the final half. Moments later, Gunnar Tebon (So. – Sturgeon Bay, WI) and Carter Brooks tied the game at 48-48 after Tebon's third bucket and Brooks' second 3-point basket. Both squads battled for their edge as they traded points in the following possessions, but Wheaton began to pull away with a three-pointer and two successful free throws.
With the final buzzer approaching, UWEC attempted to close the gap in the final minutes as Page brought the deficit to two after a pair of free throws. The late push would not be enough as time would run out and the Thunder hit seven of their ten free throws in the last two minutes to secure the win.
Brock Voigt (Jr. - Sun Prairie, WI) and Michael Casper (So. - Merrill, WI) were both named to the Lee Pfund Classic All-Tournament team.
The Blugolds will return home and prepare for their home opener on Tuesday, November 23rd when they host the St. Norbert College Green Knights. Tip off is scheduled for 7PM from Zorn Arena.
Follow the Blugolds all season long at Blugold Game Day or on our app, UWEC Blugolds.
