PLATTEVILLE, Wis. (Blugolds.com) – Despite holding an early 18-point lead, the UW-Eau Claire men's basketball team followed up its season-opening victory with a disappointing 54-52 loss to North Park University (Ill.) this afternoon at the UW-Platteville Classic.

The Blugolds started the game out in a dominating fashion. Jordan Petersen (Jr.- Strum, Wis./Eleva-Strum) nailed a three-pointer just thirty seconds into the game and started a run that developed into an 18-point lead. By halftime, Eau Claire controlled the game 34-19.

Despite Eau Claire's show in the first half, the Vikings lit up the second.

In just over four minutes, North Park slashed the Blugold lead. Aided by a 14-0 scoring streak, the Vikings pulled to within one point with just under 13 minutes left. Eau Claire relinquished the lead with 2:23 remaining and never recovered.

The Blugolds finished the game with a 44.4 shooting percentage, though they concluded the first half with a 57.1 average. Despite the loss, the Blugold bench produced 29 points and Eau Claire just edged out the Viking 31-30 in rebounds.

Petersen recorded a double-double on the night, producing 11 points and leading the game with 10 rebounds. Alex Anderson (Fr.-Oshkosh, Wis./North) led the Blugolds with 16 points, 14 of which were scored in the first half.

The Blugolds fall to 1-1 on the season while North Park improves to 1-1.

When the Platteville Classic continues tomorrow, the Blugolds will take on Concordia University (Wis.). Game time is set for 5 p.m.

-AH-