EAU CLAIRE, Wis. (blugolds.com) – The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire men's basketball team returned to Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (WIAC) play on Wednesday as they hosted the #2 ranked UW-Platteville Pioneers. Despite a fast start and a six-point lead in the first ten minutes, the Blugolds fell to the Pioneers, 60-46.
A plethora of offensive turnovers kept both teams' shotting percentages under 37% in the first half, but they allowed for one team to take the early advantage. UW-Eau Claire went on an 11-6 run in the first seven minutes with Brock Voigt (Jr. – Sun Prairie, WI) scoring six of the Blugolds opening points. Voigt finished the game with nine points. Michael Casper (So. – Merrill, WI) hit a three-pointer with 9:12 left in the first half to give UWEC a six-point lead. Eau Claire would surrender 15 points off their ten first half turnovers and countered with four points off the five Platteville turnovers.
Despite holding the lead for over ten minutes in the first half, UWEC trailed UWP by seven at halftime.
In the second half, Carter Hanke (Jr. – Marathon, WI) exploded for ten points off the bench for a career high 12 total points during the game. Hanke made four of his nine field goals taken and was a perfect 2 for 2 from beyond the three-point arch. Spencer Page (Sr. – Rice Lake, WI) and Brock Voigt both led the team with seven rebounds each.
The Blugolds found themselves in foul trouble down the stretch with four players having three or more fouls as UW-Eau Claire couldn't complete a comeback against the #2 Pioneers.
The Blugolds (8-6, WIAC 1-2) will be back at home on Saturday, January 7th when the host WIAC opponent, UW-Whitewater. Tipoff is scheduled for 5PM as UWEC celebrates Youth Night.
Follow the Blugolds all season long at Blugold Game Day or on our app, UWEC Blugolds.
