On a night where the University of Wisconsin-Superior men’s basketball team was faced with a must win situation, they stepped up to the challenge and beat UW-Eau Claire 89-79 in overtime.

The first half was very close, with neither team getting a big lead throughout.  UWS went on a little run at the end of the half to take a 33-31 lead into halftime.

In the second half, the scoring gates were opened.  UWS started the half on a 19-3 run, and took a 52-34 lead.  The Bluegolds crawled their way back into the game, and took the lead late in the half.  UWS wouldn’t be outdone, however, and the end of regulation brought a 71-71 tie.

The overtime session started out with junior Jake Smith scoring a quick two to take the lead, and UWS didn’t look back.  A quick three pointer by senior Dwight Hill and another layup by Smith gave UWS a six point lead.  Eau Claire was then forced to foul, and junior Dan Culy made the last five free throws, and UWS took the game 89-79, and never trailed in overtime.

UWS was lead by strong performances by Smith and Culy.  Smith ended the game with 31 points on 12-20 shooting, and added 11 rebounds for a double-double.  Culy added 23 points, scoring 21 of them in the second half and overtime.  He was also 10-10 from the free throw line.  Hill also had a solid game, adding 14 points and 8 assists, while sophomore Ben Aalfs came off the bench and added 11 rebounds.

This brings UWS’ record to 14-10 overall, and 7-8 in the WIAC. They were tied with the Bluegolds for the 6th and final WIAC playoff spot, and now are tied for 5th with UW-Platteville.  They will make their second playoff appearance in the last three years.

They have one regular season game remaining, as they travel to UW-Whitewater on Saturday to try to gain a higher seed.

 
Milestone
Culy’s 23 points in the contest gives him 1,009 for his career, eclipsing the 1,000 point mark.

He is the third UWS player this season to get to that milestone, along with Hill and Smith.  This is the first time in UWS history that three 1,000 point scorers are playing together.