UW-Eau Claire 95, UW-Stout 91 |Â Photo Gallery |
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MENOMONIE (February 1, 2016) - Despite shooting a school record 65.4 percent from the field, UW-Stout came up just short, 95-91, against rival No. 25 UW-Eau Claire on Dewey Mintz Court in Johnson Fieldhouse on Dewey Mintz.
Stout broke a three year and 17 year old record on the night, the previous being 64.0 percent from the field.
John Keefe scored a team high 21 points as five Blue Devils scored in double-digit.
Hot shooting was the key for both teams. Eau Claire (15-5, 5-4 WIAC) sits in the top five in the country, shooting a regular 52 percent from the field heading into Wednesday night's game. They kept this up, shooting 55.7 percent from the field, and 50 percent from the three point line. Stout succeeded this percentage on both accounts, shooting 65.4 percent (a school record) for the game, and 53.8 percent from the three point line, including two three pointers from
Sam Ortmann that would bring the game close in the final seconds.
The first half was one of runs. Eau Claire jumped out to an early nine point lead off of a 8-1 run after a Sean Miller three pointer. But Stout soon stormed back late in the period, bringing the game to within one on a Keefe layup, a 37-36 lead for Eau Claire. Stout found themselves within one once again at the end of the half, 42-41 Eau Claire on top.
The second half was up-and-down, compared to the first; the second included six ties and 10 lead changes throughout. Stout took a one point lead around the 15-minute mark after an
Isaac Elliott spin move lay in took a 55-54 lead. Stout then held the lead until the 11:55 mark when Jared Schneidermann laid in a ball from Chris Duff. Eau Claire would lead the rest of the period. But Stout didn't count themselves out.
After falling behind by 10 with only two minutes remaining, Stout would sink free throws, a layup and three consecutive three pointers to get within two.
Brett Ahsenmacher and Ortmann were responsible, knocking down the three threes to bring the game to 93-91 with two seconds remaining. A pair of free throws from Eau Claire's George Diekelman made the game 95-91.
This was the second game this season that Stout tallied 90 or more points, the first being against Superior back in December.
John Lahti finished the game with 17 points on 7-of-10 shooting from the field, along with five rebounds.
Keegan Dickson put in 16 points including two three pointers, Ahsenmacher scored 14 points and Ortman 13. Keefe had a near triple-double once again, with 21 points, nine rebounds and seven assists.
Stout's
Adam Mackey saw significant playing time, getting 14 minutes, a season high, while scoring four points and grabbing four rebounds.
George Diekelman scored a game high 25 points for the Blugolds, he was one of six Blugolds to score in double-digits.
Stout will take their hot shooting to UW-Whitewater on Saturday, February 4, for a 7 p.m. tip.
