EAU CLAIRE, Wis. — The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire men's basketball team began its new era in style, defeating No. 14 Nebraska Wesleyan University 68-64 in its first-ever game at the Sonnentag Event Center. The Blugolds gave new head coach
Zach Malvik his first career head coaching victory with an impressive performance in their debut at the Market & Johnson Blugold Tip-Off Tournament.
The victory was the Blugolds' first over a ranked opponent since January 26, 2022.
HOW IT HAPPENED
- UW-Eau Claire (1-0) got 25 points from Michael Casper (Sr. - Merrill, Wis.), who hit seven 3-pointers. The senior guard also grabbed four rebounds.
- Andre Renta (Jr. - Hudson, Wis.) added 17 points and four steals in his UW-Eau Claire debut. Carter Huschka (Sr. - Farmington, Minn.) chipped in with 11 points and four rebounds, and Carter Lichtsinn (Jr. - Olathe, Kan./Olathe West) had eight points and seven boards.
- Cade Hall (Sr. - Mauston, Wis.) set a new career high with 15 rebounds.
- The Blugolds overcame a shaky start. The Prairie Wolves ran out to a 12-4 lead cross the first six minutes and led by eight with eight minutes left in the first half. But an 8-3 run by the Blugolds helped close the gap.
- UW-Eau Claire surged ahead with a huge finish to the opening half. A layup by Renta at the 5:08 mark started a 14-1 run to close out the half, which pushed the Blugolds in front 34-27.
- The Blugolds remained ahead for the rest of the way. The lead grew as high as 12 with six minutes left, but Nebraska Wesleyan whittled the lead down to four in the closing minute. UW-Eau Claire held on down the stretch though. The Prairie Wolves missed a pair of shots on their final possession.
- UW-Eau Claire shot 38% from the field and 39% from 3-point range. Each team grabbed 40 rebounds.
UP NEXT
The Blugolds will look to close out the Market & Johnson Blugold Tip-Off Tournament with another victory on Sunday, November 10. They take on Gustavus Adolphus College at 5 p.m. at the Sonnentag Event Center.
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