EAU CLAIRE, Wis. (blugolds.com) – The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire men's basketball team hosted the St. Norbert College Green Knights for the home opener on Tuesday in Zorn Arena. After a fast start and controlling first half, the Blugolds fell behind late in a 60-55 defeat.
The first half featured a close battle between the two squads. Eau Claire would roll on halfway through the opening frame as Michael Casper (So. - Merrill, WI) hit a layup off a turnover on a 7-0 run to make it 21-11. UWEC kept their lead heading into halftime with a 28-22 advantage.
David Ijadimbola (So. - Brooklyn Park, MN/Park Center) took over after the intermission with 11 second half points. With a season high 15 points, Ijadimbola finished the game +5 in +/- during his 23 minutes of play.
Brock Voigt (Jr. - Sun Prairie, WI) was busy around the rim all night by grabbing nine total rebounds (3 off., 6 def.) and tallying ten points in his team leading 31 minutes of play. Voigt added to both side of the floor with two assists and two steals before the final buzzer.
The Green Knights swung the momentum in their favor in the final minutes as they earned the final lead change off a Blugold turnover with under three minutes to play. UWEC could not find an answer with a late push and their final bucket coming from a Brock Voigt free throw with 1:32 remaining. A last chance possession was earned by Voigt's last rebound to give the Blugolds one last shot with a three-point deficit. Spencer Page (Sr. - Rice Lake, WI) took a shot beyond the arc from the corner that landed just short and in the hands of St. Norbert. The Green Knights knocked down both free throws to hand UW-Eau Claire their first loss at home.
The Blugolds will return to Zorn Arena after the holiday for another nonconference matchup on Sunday, November 28th. Eau Claire will face the Alma College Scots for their first meeting since 2006.
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