By: Christian Kiener, UWEC Sports Information
EAU CLAIRE, Wis. (blugolds.com) – The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire men's basketball team was at home Wednesday for Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (WIAC) play as they hosted the UW-Stout Blue Devils. Both teams would have an impressive night shooting the ball as the game stayed close for all 40 minutes, but the Blugolds came up short in the final minute to fall 94-89 at home.
The Blugolds started off with an early 11-5 lead that closed quickly, however UWEC erupted onto a 15-3 run with a series of shots behind the arc with 12 minutes remaining. Eau Claire's offense would then struggle for the rest of the half and the Stout offense would come alive and battle back to take a 48-43 lead going into halftime.
The Blugolds would once again got off to a hot start with an 8-0 run to take back the lead to begin the second half. The Blue Devils answered again by briefly going up 65-56, but Carter Brooks (Sr. – Lakeville, MN) and Michael Casper (So.– Merrill, WI) would reignite the offense scoring 11 points on a 16-4 to put Eau Claire back up by 3. Casper would also add 19 total to his night going 5 of 8 from behind the arc. Carter Hanke (Jr. – Marathon, WI) continued to remain a big threat putting up eight more points than his previous game for a new career high of 27 points. During his career game, Hanke came up clutch on several free throws to keep the UWEC in the game. The Blugolds would snatch the lead from the Blue Devils in the final minute, but turnovers and fast break points would get the best of Eau Claire as the Blugolds fell 94-89.
The Blugolds (10-13, WIAC 3-9) will wrap up their final home game of the season on Saturday for WIAC play against UW-Stevens Point with Tipoff scheduled for 5PM.
Follow the Blugolds all season long at Blugold Game Day or on our app, UWEC Blugolds.
