HANCOCK, MI - The UW-Eau Claire men's basketball team defeated Finlandia University for the third time this season as it defeated the Lions 90-84 in double overtime today in Upper Michigan.

The victory gives the Blugolds an 11-10 overall record on the season. Finlandia falls to 4-14.

In a game that was tight the whole way, the Lions led at the end of the first half by a score of 27-24. The Blugolds shot just 39% in the first half, while the Lions shot 50%.

The second half was a different story as the Blugolds were on fire from the field as they ended up shooting 75% in the half, going 18-24. With the game tied 66-66 in the final moments, the Blugolds had a chance to win it, but could not get the ball in the basket and the game went into overtime.

The first overtime went back-and-forth and this time Finlandia had a chance to win it at the end. The Blugolds held and the game went to a second overtime with the score 74-74.

The Blugolds then took control of the second overtime, as they led throughout and outscored the Lions 16-10 in the second overtime. The Blugolds would finally pull it out 90-84.

The Blugolds shot 89% in both overtimes combined and ended up shooting 60.7% for the game. The Lions ended up shooting 49.2%. The Blugolds out-rebounded Finlandia 34-31 and forced 19 Lion turnovers in the game.

Leading the way in scoring for the Blugolds was Jared Bardon (So.-DeForest, WI), who had 25 points. Dan Beyer (So.-Waukesha, WI/Catholic Memorial) tied a career-high with 18 points. Matt Riley (Jr.-Cadott, WI) added 12 points and along with Bardon led the team in rebounding with six boards.

The last time the Blugolds played in multiple overtimes was last year when they faced UW-Superior. The Blugolds lost that one in triple overtime. The last Blugold win in multiple overtimes was back in 2000 when they defeated UW-Superior 90-85 in double overtime.

Up next, the Blugolds will return to conference action as they will travel to face UW-River Falls on Wednesday night. The tip-off is scheduled for 7 p.m.

- JR -