WHITEWATER, Wis. (blugolds.com) — The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire men's basketball team held strong down the stretch to defeat UW-Whitewater 75-74 on the road on Saturday night. The Blugolds built a comfortable lead early in the game and fended off a Warhawks comeback to win a fourth straight game.
The Blugolds got off to a dream start, opening the game on a 9-0 run which featured 3-pointers from Michael Casper (Jr. - Merrill, Wis.) and Carter Huschka (Jr. - Farmington, Minn.). UW-Eau Claire's strong start continued for more than five minutes and resulted in a 16-4 lead right out of the gates. The Warhawks chiseled away at the deficit for the rest of the first half though and eventually tied the game at 33 by halftime by closing the half on a 4-0 run.
UW-Eau Claire re-established its lead with a solid start to the second half. The Blugolds outscored the Warhawks 9-4 across the first three minutes of the period to go ahead 42-37. That lead was steady for a few minutes, but the Warhawks took their first lead of the game on a 3-pointer with 11:56 left to make it 50-49. UW-Eau Claire retook the lead for good on a free throw from Casper with 9:22 remaining.
The Blugolds got some crucial padding when Nolan Blair (Jr. - Stevens Point, Wis./SPASH) went on a personal 5-0 run with 3:24 left on the clock. His 3-pointer put UW-Eau Claire ahead by seven. A layup by Brock Voigt (Sr. - Sun Prairie, Wis.) put UW-Eau Claire in front 73-67 with 53 seconds left before the Warhawks made it a one-possession game with a 4-0 run. Casper made a pair of key free throws with eight seconds remaining to put the lead at 75-71, and the Blugolds were able to see out the win.
Casper and Voigt shared the game high with 19 points apiece for UW-Eau Claire. Voigt also had nine rebounds, eight blocks and four assists. Huschka added 18 points, six rebounds and four assists. Cade Hall (Jr. - Mauston, Wis.) provided six points and a pair of rebounds off the bench. The Blugolds knocked down 11 3-pointers and shot 52% from beyond the arc.
The Blugolds moved to 11-4 overall and 3-1 in the WIAC with the victory. They're back in action on Wednesday, Jan. 11, when they host UW-Platteville. Tip-off is at 7 p.m. at Zorn Arena.
Follow the Blugolds all season long at Blugold Game Day or on our app, UWEC Blugolds.
