EAU CLAIRE, Wis. - In its first conference game of the season, the UW-Eau Claire men's basketball team ran its win streak to three games this afternoon, beating WIAC rival UW-Stout by a score of 77-61 at Zorn Arena.

The win gives the Blugolds a 4-2 overall record, and 1-0 in WIAC play, while the Blue Devils fall to 2-4 on the year and 0-1 in conference play.

Ryan Shea (So.-Duluth, Minn./East) got the Blugolds out to a 5-0 lead on a foul-and-one conversion and jumper to open the game. Eau Claire would hold the lead until midway through the first half, when Stout got a three-pointer from Eric Hostetter to take a one point lead. The lead would be short-lived, as the Blugolds managed to extend their lead to six points going into halftime.

Eau Claire held tight to momentum going into the second half and extended its lead to as many as 16 points. The Blue Devils cut into the Blugolds' lead, pulling within two points on a Jerrod Buchholtz jumper with 5:47 remaining. However, Eau Claire proved to be too much for Stout, grabbing a double-digit lead late in the half, and hanging on for the 16 point victory.

Shea led the Blugolds with 21 points and nine rebounds, to go along with five assists and two steals. Dan Beyer (Sr.-Waukesha, Wis./Catholic Memorial) and Geoff Probst (Jr.-Moose Lake, Minn.) would each chip in with 16 points apiece, and Josh Prince (Fr.-Cadott, Wis./Chippewa Falls) would also record double-digit points, scoring 10.

The Blugolds return to action Wednesday, on the road against WIAC opponent UW-Platteville. The Pioneers are 7-0 on the year and 1-0 in the WIAC, beating UW-Superior this afternoon 76-69. Wednesday's game is set to begin at 7 p.m.

Eau Claire-Stout Box Score

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