John Koenig

The UW-Eau Claire men’s basketball team prepared for its showdown with two-time defending national champions UW-Stevens Point by focusing on all aspects of its game during practice this week.

“We worked on our patience, toughness and teamwork,” coach Terry Gibbons said. “Before the game, I told the team to just play their game and execute with lots of emotion.”

The Blugolds echoed their coach’s words early by going on an 11-2 run and pushing the lead to 18-12.

Eau Claire kept fighting and was rewarded with a 31-24 advantage at the half against the Pointers.

“During halftime, I told the team to keep reinforcing what they were doing the first half,” Gibbons said. “We also talked about exploiting mismatches and weaknesses in their offense and defense.”

The second half did not start as well as the ‘Golds had hoped as the Pointers came out with an 8-0 run to take the lead 32-31.

However, Eau Claire continued to battle, causing seven lead changes in the half and a near last second comeback when they made three consecutive three-pointers in the last 32 seconds.

Unfortunately, Point held on for the victory 79-76.

“Obviously the loss is disappointing,” sophomore Zach Ryan said, who scored 17 points and added four assists.

“We had the Pointers on the ropes throughout the first half, and it proves we can play with anybody.”

Eau Claire took advantage of Stevens Point miscues, scoring 15 points off of turnovers.

“We played good defense and hustled all game,” said sophomore Jared Bardon. “We shouldn’t hang our heads on this loss.”

Bardon was the main focal point of the Blugold offense, tallying 26 points and five assists, both of which were team highs.

“Usually if someone is playing well, the team rallies around that,” Bardon said. “I just came out to play, and I guess tonight was my night.”

Junior Matt Riley, who had 14 points, tallied a career and game high of 11 rebounds.

Despite Eau Claire’s ability to stick with a two-time defending national champion, the team believes it can still improve and get better before the start of the post-season.

“Since the beginning of the season, this young team has progressed faster than any team I’ve ever coached,” Gibbons said. “They scored 76 points against the defending national champs, and they play with an unbelievable amount of heart.”