PLATTEVILLE, Wis. (Blugolds.com) – The UW-Eau Claire men's basketball team overcame a 21-point deficit to defeat Concordia University (Wis.) 68-63 this evening at the UW-Platteville Classic.

Concordia quickly seized control of the game, going on a 19-0 scoring run that put the Blugolds down 21 points just 13 minutes into the first half.

Down 32-11, Eau Claire halted the Falcon scoring, shutting out Concordia for the remainder of the half (seven minutes) and cutting the lead down to just 10 points by halftime (32-22).

The Blugolds steadily chipped away to get back into the game in the second half and Nick Craggs (Jr.-Kimberly, Wis.) made a three point jump shot to tie the game 52-52 with just over five minutes remaining. When the Blugolds took the lead 55-54 with a Craggs free throw, Eau Claire never looked back and won the game 68-63.

Jordan Petersen (Jr.-Strum, Wis./Eleva-Strum) led the Blugold scoring effort, tallying 15 points and going nine of 10 in free throws. Lewis Mau (Fr.-Colfax, Wis.) made a team-high nine rebounds on the evening.

The Blugolds concluded the game with a 47.1 shooting percent (24-51), edging out Concordia's even 40 percent (24-60).

Eau Claire heads into its home opener Tuesday evening with a 2-1 record. The Blugolds will host Hamline University (Minn.) at 7 p.m. in Zorn Arena.

-AH-