MILWAUKEE - The UW-Eau Claire men's basketball team won its third straight game, notching a 74-65 triumph over Concordia University of Mequon in the second round of the Wisconsin Lutheran College Warrior Classic here Saturday afternoon.

With the victory, the Blugolds are the unofficial champions of the Classic which had predetermined opponents in both rounds, as they survived as the only unbeaten team.

The Blugolds scored the first seven points of the game against Concordia and never relinquished the lead. After the opening spurt by the Blugolds, Concordia never got closer than five the remainder of the game. The Blugolds led by as many as 14 (27-13 at 2:16) in the first half and settled for a 31-19 lead at the break.

The Blugolds led by 14 in the second half at 41-27 (15:28) to match their largest lead. Concordia closed to within six at 60-54 with 2:51 to go. But the Blugolds kept Concordia at arm's length by hitting eight free throws in the final 2:51 of the contest.

The Blugolds were able to get inside against Concordia, outscoring the Falcons 32-24 in the paint and outshooting them, 51.9 percent to 31.3 percent. Concordia launched 33 shots from beyond the arc, hitting just eight for the game and only 1 of 18 in the first half. The Blugolds also controlled the boards, maintaining a 47-31 edge over the Falcons.

Sophomore Jared Bardon (DeForest) paced the Blugolds with 20 points, 11 rebounds and five assists. Dan Ottney (So.-Glenwood City) chipped with 17 points while Dan Beyer (So.-Waukesha/Catholic Memorial) hit all five of his field goals and all three of his free throws to finish with 13 points. Senior Tyler Birkel (Spring Valley) came off the bench to score 10 as the fourth player in double figures.

The Blugolds are now 3-1 for the season while Concordia slipped to 1-3.

The Blugolds open Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference play at home Wednesday against rival UW-Stout.

Eau Claire-Concordia (WI) Box Score

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