ST. LOUIS, Mo. (Blugolds.com)- The No. 21 University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire men’s basketball team is off to their best start since the 1999-00 season where the team started off 10-0. Eau Claire gained their fifth win of the season Friday night after defeating Rhodes College (Tenn.) 120-94 at the 33rd annual Lopata Classic hosted by Washington University (Mo.). Eau Claire had a tough test coming into the opening game of the tournament, taking on the Lynx who averaged the third most points in the country. The Blugolds were able to play at the tempo of Rhodes College, but still played solid defense. Eau Claire held the Lynx under 100 points for the first time this season. In the win the Blugolds scored the third most points in program history as they topped 100 points for the first time since 2007. …show more content…
Head coach Matt Siverling had his team ready to play in this one. The Blugolds opened on a 24-6 run, thanks to 10 quick points from Josh Weix. From here, the Lynx would fire back and after fighting hard they were able to trim the Blugold lead back down to seven points. Eau Claire answered the call right after that, rebuilding their lead back up and then some. By the end of the half, the Blugolds extended their lead to a commanding 21-point