Eau Claire, Wis. - The University of Wisconsin-La Crosse men's basketball team earned a 75-59 win at UW-Eau Claire Saturday night in Zorn Arena. The Eagles, ranked 17th on D3hoops.com, improve to 15-2 overall and 5-2 in the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (WIAC) while the Blugolds drop to 12-6 overall and 3-4 in the conference. 

UWL raced out to a 12-2 lead just under five minutes into the game as it made five-of-six shots from the field. Zac Haese had eight of the Eagles' first 12 points, including back-to-back three-pointers. UWL led, 13-4, when UW-Eau Claire went on a 17-7 run to take a 21-20 advantage with 7:39 remaining in the first half on Carter Brooks' layup. The Eagles responded with back-to-back three-point field goals from Henry Noone and Luke Norcia to take a 26-21 lead. UWL would never trail the rest of the game, taking a 33-26 halftime lead.  

The Eagles opened the second half on a 16-6 run to lead 49-32 on Seth Anderson's two free throws. UW-Eau Claire cut the deficit to 51-42 with 9:26 remaining, but UWL went on a 12-2 run to lead 63-44 with 5:19 remaining. The Blugolds could get no closer than 10 points the rest of the game.

UWL shot 52.1% from the field, including 52.4% (11-of-21) from three-point range, and 73.7% (14-of-19) at the line. The Eagles shot 54.2% (13-of-24) from the field in the second half while shooting 62.5% (five-of-eight) from three-point range.

Terek Nesheim led UWL with 18 points, eight rebounds and three steals while Haese totaled 16 points. Norcia added nine points as 10 different players scored for the Eagles.

UW-Eau Claire shot 41.7% from the field, including 22.7% (five-of-22) from three-point range, and 80.0% (eight-of-10) at the line. Cole Rabedeaux led the Blugolds with 21 points while Cam Kuepers and Brooks each finished with 15. Brooks had a game-high nine rebounds. 

UWL returns to action Wednesday, January 29 hosting UW-Whitewater at 7 p.m.