Yet Wednesday night's contest with UW-Eau Claire had the feel of an early playoff game.   And considering the two teams entered the contest tied for sixth place in the WIAC race with identical 3-6 records, there was plenty of reason.

The Yellowjackets responded in fine fashion, breaking open a close game midway through the second half before holding on down the stretch for a 67-61 victory that upped UW-Superior's season record to 8-11 overall and 4-6 in league play.

UW-Eau Claire meanwhile dropped to 9-10 overall and 3-7 in WIAC play.  More importantly, the Yellowjackets swept the season series from the Blugolds, adding Wednesday's victory to their 75-53 win at Zorn Arena on Dec. 12 and gaining a valuable tie-breaker in the battle for playoff positioning.

Neither team was able to gain much momentum through the first 10 minutes, resulting in a 10-10 draw following a jumper by Brendan Bauer (Eleva, Wis./Gilmanton) with 9:06 left in the opening half.

With the score even 21-21, consecutive baskets by Austin Cahill and Trent Davis (Apple Valley, Minn./St. Bernard's) gave UW-Superior a 25-21 lead with 2:07 remaining in the first half.

A three-pointer by UW-Eau Claire's Dustin Kalien brought the Blugolds to within 25-24 at the 1:15 mark of the opening frame.

Aaron Corry (Lake Nebagamon, Wis./Northwestern) responded with a jumper however and two free throws by Johnquez Brooks (North Las Vegas, Nev./Valley) helped UW-Superior head to the intermission with a 29-24 lead.

The Yellowjackets continued their surge early in the second half as five quick points from Jarrod Peterson (Plymouth, Minn./Wayzata), four points from Davis and a layup by Bronson Byrne (Chanhassen, Minn./Chaska) expanded the UW-Superior lead to 40-26 with 14:50 remaining in regulation.

UW-Superior finally took their largest lead of the evening at the 9:06 mark of the second half as six points from Walter Charlton (Nassau, Bahamas/Teleos Christian), a layup from Corry and a three-pointer by Davis gave the Yellowjackets a 53-33 edge.

The Blugolds attempted to rally back, cutting the deficit to 63-56 on a driving layup by Eric Effertz (Ladysmith, Wis./Ladysmith) with 1:36 remaining in the second half.

But the Yellowjackets connected on four free throws in the final 1:35 to seal the victory.

Offensively, UW-Superior was paced by Brooks with 14 points.  Davis and Charlton added 10 points for the Yellowjackets as well.

UW-Eau Claire was paced by Kalien with 13 points while Nick Craggs and Effertz pitched in with 12 points each.

The Yellowjackets head to UW-Stevens Point on Saturday.  Game time is scheduled for 3 p.m.  The game can be heard on tape delay starting at 6 p.m. on 91.3 FM KUWS.  Matt Johnson will have the call.