EAU CLAIRE, Wis. — The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire secured a tight 70-66 victory over North Park University at the Sonnentag Event Center on Sunday. The game was marked by eight ties and 20 lead changes, with the Blugolds pulling ahead in the second half. UW-Eau Claire capitalized on their opponents' turnovers, scoring 12 points off such opportunities, and dominated the paint with 34 points. North Park's effort included nine 3-pointers, but they fell short in the closing minutes.
The first half opened with a scoring exchange as
Carter Lichtsinn's layup for the Eau Claire was countered by a 3-pointer from North Park. The half saw a series of lead changes, highlighted by back-to-back 3-pointers from
Kenji Scales and
Will Boser, giving the home team a brief advantage. North Park responded with a balanced attack, including key contributions. In the final minute, the Vikings' free throws were matched by
Andre Renta's efforts from the line, leaving the teams deadlocked at 36 at the half.
Xavier Lewis led a crucial surge for UWEC with a series of timely baskets, including a dunk at 18:54, followed by a layup that helped the home team maintain pace with North Park. North Park's 3-pointer at 15:35 briefly shifted the lead in favor of the visitors, but the Blugolds responded with a fast-break layup by
Will Boser at 13:28, regaining control. In the final moments,
Andre Renta's layup and subsequent free throw at 1:09 extended the lead, and
Kenji Scales added two free throws with 12 seconds remaining to secure a 70-66 victory. Despite a late 3-pointer from the Vikings, North Park's comeback fell short.
Andre Renta scored 16 points and recorded six assists while adding seven rebounds.
Carter Lichtsinn collected 12 rebounds and contributed six points. Lewis led the team with 19 points and three steals, also securing nine rebounds.
Will Boser tallied 10 points, including two 3-pointers, and grabbed seven rebounds.
UW-Eau Claire improved to 11-0 overall following their victory. North Park is now 8-3 on the season.
The Blugolds will take the holiday week off and come back in the new year with Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference play. UWEC will travel to face UW-Stevens Point on Saturday, Jan. 3. The matchup is set for 5 p.m. at Bennett Court in Stevens Point, Wisconsin.
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