By Christian Kiener, UWEC Sports Information
EAU CLAIRE, Wis. (blugolds.com) – The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire men's basketball team was back home on Wednesday for Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (WIAC) play as they hosted the #11 UW-La Crosse Eagles. The Blugolds kept the game tight all night, but rough shooting down the stretch allowed the Eagles to escape with a win as the Blugolds fell 67-60.
The Eagles jumped out to an early 12-7 lead in the first five minutes of the first half, but the Blugolds battled back with the help of Carter Brooks(Sr. – Lakeville, MN) on both ends of the court tallying 7 points and 5 rebounds in the first half. Eau Claire and La Crosse would keep the game close with both teams going on 6-0 runs to close out the first half with La Crosse leading 35-28.
The Second Half would start with Blugolds going on an 11-3 run by Brooks knocking down a pair of threes and Brock Voigt(Jr. – Sun Prairie, WI) working in the post to finally take the lead 39-38. The Blugolds and Eagles would then go back and forth with the lead up until the final minutes of the second half.
Despite Eau Claire committing their fewest turnover game in WIAC play, offensive struggles for the Blugolds allowed the Eagles to pull away 58-48 in the final few minutes. Eau Claire would attempt to mount a comeback with the help of Cade Hall (So. – Mauston, WI) contributing 10 of his 15 points in the final minutes, but the Blugolds came up short falling 67-60.
The Blugolds (8-9, WIAC 1-5) will be on the road next week for WIAC play at UW-River Falls on Wednesday with Tipoff at 7PM followed by UW-Whitewater on Saturday with Tipoff scheduled for 5PM.
Follow the Blugolds all season long at Blugold Game Day or on our app, UWEC Blugolds.
