SUPERIOR, Wis. (Blugolds.com) – Despite a close back-and-forth battle, the UW-Eau Claire men's basketball team slipped in the closing minutes and fell 64-53 to UW-Superior this evening.
The teams kept it close for most of the game, exemplified by the nine ties throughout the 40 minutes of play. Superior owned the highest lead of the first with seven points, but a successful three-point shot from Jordan Petersen (Jr.-Strum, Wis./Eleva-Strum) put the Blugolds within four heading into the second half.
The battle continued in the second, but Superior regained control for good with a dunk at the halfway mark. In just six minutes, the Yellowjackets built up a double digit lead. Eau Claire couldn't overcome the deficit and fell 64-53.
Kevin Rabbers (So.-Grand Rapids, Minn./Grand Rapids) was the only Blugold to crack double digit scoring with 10 points. Andy Kleist (Jr.-Eau Claire, Wis./North) nabbed 11 rebounds, the most of any player on the night. The Blugolds went just 31 percent (18-of-58) from the field compared to Superior's 40 percent (24-of-60).
Eau Claire falls to 6-4 on the year and 1-3 in the WIAC. Superior jumps to 7-4 overall and an even 2-2 in conference play.
Next up, the Blugolds will host the 43rd annual UWEC Holiday Classic Dec. 29 and 30. Eau Claire's first game against Judson University (Ill.) is set for 7 p.m. Thursday.
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