EAU CLAIRE, Wis. – The UW-River Falls men's basketball team battled through a competitive first half, however they were unable to keep pace down the stretch, falling 85-67 to the Blugolds Wednesday evening at the Sonnentag Event Center.

River Falls stayed within striking distance early, trading baskets throughout the opening 20 minutes. The Falcons shot efficiently in the first half, shooting 50 percent from three and leaned on interior scoring to remain competitive. Eau Claire closed the period on a late push to take a 42-34 advantage into halftime.

The Blugolds carried that momentum into the second half, extending the lead behind consistent scoring, shooting 60 percent from the field and 41 percent from beyond the arc. Eau Claire maintained control through the second half and gradually pulled away over the final 10 minutes to secure the home win.

Jack Leifker and Owen Havlik paced River Falls with 12 points apiece. Leifker added four rebounds and a block, while Havlik knocked down two three-pointers and finished with four assists. Daniel Cleary gave a spark off the bench with eight points, while the twins, Drew Tengblad and Reid Tengblad each produced seven for the Falcon offense. 

As a team, the Falcons shot 49 percent from the field and scored 36 points in the paint but were limited to just seven three-pointers on the night and were ultimately unable to slow Eau Claire's offensive push this evening. 

River Falls will look to regroup as WIAC play continues later this weekend as they take on the UW-Oshkosh Titans at home in Don Page Arena. Tip-off is scheduled for Saturday, Feb. 7 at 5 p.m.