By: Christian Kiener, UWEC Sports Information
EAU CLAIRE, Wis. (blugolds.com) – The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire men's basketball team was home Wednesday for Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (WIAC) play as they hosted the UW-River Falls Falcons. The Blugolds, after having an incredible first half, struggled both offensively and defensively in the second half, coming up short at home 75-73.
The Blugolds got off to a slow start down 12-5 in the first few minutes, but Eau Claire would battle back and take the lead with the help Carter Hanke (Jr. – Marathon, WI) and Michael Casper (So. – Merrill, WI). River Falls pushed to tie it up at 23 a piece shortly after, but then Blugolds took off with the help of Carter Brooks (Sr. – Lakeville, MN) who tallied 14 points, 6 Rebounds, and 3 assists in the first half. UWECs continued their momentum with a pair of fast break layups by Cade Hall (So. – Mauston, WI) who tallied double figures by the end of the first half. Eau Claire ended up shooting 61% in the first half with a 45-34 lead at halftime.
The home squad would hold off the Falcons for the first ten minutes of the first half, but River Falls came back and tied it up at 58 with under ten minutes to go. Despite offensive struggles, the Blugolds battled to keep it close into the final seconds of the contest. Nolan Blair (So. – Stevens Point, WI) knocked down a pair of free throws to tie the game at 73 with six seconds remaining in regulation. The Falcons would manage to get a last second shot off on a fast break and Eau Claire would fall 75-73.
The Blugolds (10-11, WIAC 3-7) will continue their road week of WIAC play at UW-La Crosse on Saturday with tip off scheduled for 5PM.
Follow the Blugolds all season long at Blugold Game Day or on our app, UWEC Blugolds.
