RIVER FALLS, Wis. (blugolds.com) – The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire men's basketball team began their run for the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (WIAC) Championship on Friday as they traveled to UW-River Falls for the opening round. The #7 seeded Blugolds started strong with an early lead but eventually fell to the Falcons, 77-42.
A 10-4 in the opening two minutes sparked some momentum for UWEC as Spencer Page (Sr. – Rice Lake, WI) tallied eight of his team high 15 points in the opening run by the Blugolds. The tables turned halfway through the first half as the Falcons rattled off 23 consecutive points to mount a 13-point lead. UWEC battled back, but still were behind a 15-point deficit at halftime.
The second half mirrored much of the same story in the opening half as Eau Claire found themselves coming up short on opportunities and were matched with a high power UWRF offense. Brock Voigt (Jr. – Sun Prairie, WI) and Carter Hanke (Jr. – Marathon, WI) combined for 11 of 34 rebounds grabbed by Eau Claire. The play in the paint wasn't enough as UWEC couldn't mount a big enough comeback and fell 77-42 to end their season.
The Blugolds finish their season with a record of 11-15 and 4-10 in WIAC play. With only two seniors on the squad, UWEC will look to their youthful squad for the 2022-23 season.
Follow the Blugolds all season long at Blugold Game Day or on our app, UWEC Blugolds.
