RIVER FALLS, Wis. – The UW-River Falls men's basketball team earned its second consecutive WIAC victory, defeating UW-Eau Claire 80-72 Wednesday evening at Page Arena.

The Falcons shot just under 50 percent from the field while all five starters scored in double figures, improving their overall record to 9-6 and 2-4 in the WIAC.

After a few lead changes early in the first half, the Falcons went on a commanding 21-2 run to take over the first half while holding the Blugolds scoreless for over five minutes. 

UWRF shot 50 percent from the field in the first 20 minutes and led by as many as 17 with a Regan Merritt triple that put the Falcons up 45-28 with under a minute left in the half. 

The Blugolds responded well after the break, opening the second half on a 24-9 run eight minutes in to tie the game at 54-54. The Falcons answered though on a 6-0 run, capped off by a Merritt steal and fast break layup, forcing a Blugold timeout, and the home team lead for the remainder of regulation. 

Jake Reeck and Bryce Phillips converted back-to-back triples to put the Falcons up by 12 with six minutes left, and UWRF led by at least six for the rest of the night to earn the win.

UWRF shot 17-of-23 at the charity stripe, its second-most free throws made this season.

Rodrick Payne led the Falcons with 20 points of 9-of-14 shooting, followed by 14 points and a team-high eight rebounds from Noah Hanson.

Phillips was one assist shy of a double-double with 10 points and nine assists, while Jake Reeck added 12 points and 11 points from Marshall Holland.

The Falcons hit the road to face No. 5-ranked UW-Oshkosh on Saturday.