UW-Stout 95, UW-Eau Claire 90 (2OT)
MENOMONIE (January 12, 2022) - Down to only nine players suiting up, Stout fell behind as Eau Claire shot out to a quick lead in the first half. Those nine Blue Devils didn't back down though, as they used a strong second half push to keep on the heals of the Blugolds. With time winding down, Stout sent the game into overtime. After the first overtime saw both teams still tied again, Stout pushed ahead in the second overtime to secure the 95-90 win over their I-94 rival.
Due to Health and Safety Protocols, the Blue Devils (11-5, 2-3) had only nine players suited up heading into the game with only three that had started a game this season. Eau Claire (8-8, 1-4) had some scratches of their own, but still had four of their five starters. Eau Claire jumped out to a quick lead, taking a 9-0 run and turning it into a 32-18 lead. The Blugolds saw a lot of success putting the ball in the basket, shooting an above-average 54% from the field in the first half. Stout tried their best to keep up, but entered the break down by 11 at 46-35.
The Blue Devils came out of the locker room with hungry eyes as the Blugolds came out comfortable with their lead. In the first five minutes of the half, Stout pulled the game within two (50-48). The game then became a shoot-out, with both teams trading baskets. Tinsley was instrumental in keeping the game close, hitting five of eight three-pointers and creating some great opportunities for others with his passing as well as being a hawk on the board, pulling down as many missed shots as he could. Tinsley finished with 10 rebounds and six assists to go with his career-high 31 points. With the second half winding down,
Brody Fox threw down a dunk over two Eau Claire defenders off a beautiful pass by
Lovell Williams. This gave Stout a 75-73 lead, but the next possession Eau Claire's Brock Voight drew a foul and made both free throws to tie the game at 75. Williams had a chance to at the end to send the Blugolds back to Eau Claire, but his 3-point shot went in-&-out.
The first overtime continued like the second half ended, with both teams trading baskets. Stout pulled ahead by one point after Tinsley hit both of his free throws, but yet again, Eau Claire was able to draw a foul. Luckily, the Blugolds missed the first free throw, but the second one connected and sent the game into another overtime.
After 45 minutes of play, the nine Stout players had played the longest game yet this season, but it was this last overtime that saw Stout pull out the win. A Tinsley steal and fast break lay-up with a Williams 3-pointer put Stout up by two. Eau Claire would drew another foul and go 1 for 2 from the line. The next possession, Tinsley found his way to the rim yet again making a lay-up that would seal the win for the Blue Devils.
Eau Claire was led in scoring by Brock Voight, who finished with a double-double (20 points and 13 rebounds). Spencer Page also had a double-double for Eau Claire (11 points and 10 rebounds).
For Stout,
Lovell Williams finished with his first collegiate triple-double. Williams finished with 19 points, 10 rebounds, and 10 assists.
Brody Fox also had a great game, scoring 28 points and making a crucial 3-pointer in the first overtime.
Nick Jungel was the fourth Blue Devil in double digit scoring with 10. Jungel also pulled down eight rebounds.
Stout shot 43-percent from the floor (36-83) and an even better 52-percent from deep (9 for 17). Eau Claire finished 45-percent from the floor (31 for 69) and 35-percent from deep (11 for 31). From the line, Stout was 82-percent (14 for 17) while Eau Claire struggled, going 63-percent (17 for 27).
Stout is scheduled to host Oshkosh this Saturday, and then will head to Stevens Point next Wednesday.
Â
