WINONA, Minn. (Blugolds.com) – The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire men's basketball team opened the 2016-17 season with an exhibition match-up with NCAA Division II Winona State University on Monday, falling to the Warriors, 70-65.

Box Score

The Warriors jumped out to an early 9-0 lead but after a timeout, the Blugolds would chip away at the WSU lead. Heading into the half, Eau Claire trailed 35-32.

The Blugolds would stay close through the second half and at the 8:16 mark, a Steve Christiansen (So. – Apple Valley, MN) lay-up tied the score at 58, forcing a Warrior time-out.  

After a pair of Warrior free throws, George Diekelman (Jr. – Stevens Point, WI/SPASH) tied it again with a lay-up and Eau Claire took their first lead of the game on a Jack Martinek (Sr. – New Brighton, MN/Irondale) lay-up.

Eau Claire held the lead until WSU hit a two free throws with 1:31 left in the game and the Warriors wouldn't look back. Winona was six-for-six from the charity stripe in the final 90 seconds to seal with win.

Martinek led the way for the Blugolds, scoring a game-high 19 points while Diekelman chipped in 12. Jared Schneidermann (Sr. – Brooklyn Park, MN/Concordia Academy) also had a team-high eight rebounds.

The Blugolds will be back in action Tuesday, November 15 as they host St. Norbert in Zorn Arena. Tip-off is set for 6 p.m.

Follow all the action this season on Blugold Game Day.