NORTHFIELD, Minn. — The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire defeated Carleton College 80-65 on Sunday at Carleton's West Gymnasium. The Blugolds secured the win with a strong second half, outscoring the Knights by 11 points. UWEC capitalized on 44 total rebounds, including 11 offensive boards, and scored 40 points in the paint. Carleton kept the game competitive in the first half, which featured nine ties, but struggled to contain UW-Eau Claire's second-half surge.
The game commenced with
Andre Renta of the Blugolds hitting a three-pointer, assisted by
Will Boser, setting an early tone. Carleton responded with a quick three of their own, matching the intensity. The first half saw frequent lead changes, with both teams exchanging baskets and playing tight defense, resulting in nine ties throughout the half. UW-Eau Claire edged ahead at the buzzer, leading 36-32, after
Xavier Lewis converted a layup and free throw, followed by a fast-break layup from
Roan Demovsky in the final minute.
UWEC's
Kenji Scales opened the second half with a layup at 19:37, extending their lead. Scales continued to impact the game with a fastbreak layup assisted by
Carter Lichtsinn at 18:53, pushing the score to 40-32. Boser added a 3-pointer at 18:31, enlarging the gap to 43-34. Carleton tried to keep pace with a fastbreak 3-pointer at 17:54, bringing the score to 43-39. However, the Blugolds maintained control, with
Henry Hoel hitting a layup at 13:29, assisted by Demovsky, and adding two free throws to extend the lead to 56-44. The visiting team maintained their advantage, culminating in a decisive 80-65 victory to close the half.
Will Boser led the team with 14 points, hitting 5 of 12 shots, including three from beyond the arc, and contributed defensively with two blocks.
Kenji Scales matched Boser's scoring output with 14 points and added a team-high eight rebounds alongside four assists.
Carter Lichtsinn made an impact with eight points and two steals while collecting seven rebounds.
Xavier Lewis scored 11 points, converting 5 of 8 field goals, and bolstered the defense with two blocks.
UW-Eau Claire improved to 2-0 overall with the victory. Carleton is now 0-1 on the season.
In their next game, the Blugolds will head to Waverly, Iowa, to face Cornell College on Friday, Nov. 14 during Wartburg College's Buzz Levick Tournament. The matchup is set for 7:30 p.m. at Levick Arena.
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