The UW-Eau Claire men’s basketball team turned their three-game winning streak into four games with a 73-59 win on the road against the Wartburg College Knights last Wednesday. 

The team’s record would improve to 5-3 for the semester, and they will take on 6-3 UW-Superior Yellowjackets in a non-conference road matchup at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 13.

Fourth-year Michael Casper led the team with 19 points on the night, with fourth-year Cade Hall close behind with 14 points. 

“I thought we played really well,” Casper said. “I thought we really got out in transition and that benefited my game, so I got a lot of shots.”

For coach Matt Siverling, while it’s good to win on the road, there’s always room for improvement. 

“I thought we were continuing to play very well as a team,” Siverling said. “I thought our guys came out and played with a lot of energy and obviously there’s still some things we need to work on and clean up, but I thought overall we played well.” 

With four wins in a row, spirits are high among the team halfway through the season. 

“I think they’re playing with a lot of confidence. I think anytime you can go on a winning streak like this, guys get a little bit of momentum and confidence,” Siverling said. 

The same can easily be said for the players as well.

“Obviously it’s a lot easier, and everyone’s happier when we’re winning,” Casper said. “Morale is high right now, so hopefully that brings us into a good mindset going into the Superior game.” 

As for the upcoming game against the Yellowjackets, Siverling knows it will not be an easy matchup.

“Our schedule definitely gets tougher the next two games,” Siverling said. “We’re going to have to continue to work hard in practice and make sure we correct some of the things we did poorly in the last few games.” 

Casper believes that it is also a matter of discipline on everyone’s part. 

“Even though we won by a good amount these last few games, we just got to work on staying disciplined,” Casper said.  “We got to do everything just a little bit better.”  

For Siverling, from this point forward, there can be little to no room for error against the upcoming schedule on either side of the ball. 

“I think defensively there are still some mistakes we’re making that we’re not going to be able to make against really good teams and get away with,” Siverling said.  “Offensively, making the right decisions and not turning the basketball over.  Moving without the ball, finding the open person, playing well as a team.” 

The next home game for the Blugolds will be against the St. Olaf College Oles (MN) at 7 p.m. on Dec. 30 in Zorn Arena. 

Teske can be reached at [email protected].