The University of Wisconsin Superior battled tough with in-state rival the University of Wisconsin Eau Claire but the Blugolds pulled away in the second half to down the Yellowjackets 95-74 on Saturday afternoon for day two off the Merrill Thompson Tip-Off at Mortorelli Gym.

Leading 50-45 at the half, UW-Eau Claire (2-0) doubled up UW-Superior (1-2) over a five minute stretch, opening a 16-8 run starting at 18:29. The Yellowjackets cut the lead back down to nine at the midpoint of the second half, but the Blugold pulled away once again to their eventual 21-point advantage.  All five starters scored in double figures for UW-Eau Claire, led by George Dickelman who was 7-for-15 for 19 points with eight assists and four steals. UWS got 21 points from freshman Rafael Monteiro (São Paulo, Brazil/Santa Marcelina College), making it three-straight game to start his career with 20+ points. He also grabbed a game-high nine rebounds on the day.

The Yellowjackets shot 50.0 percent for the game (28-for-56) including 7-for-11 (63.6 percent) from three-point range. UWEC made good on 60.0 percent of its shots (36-60) and 17-of-22 from the free throw line. UW-Superior collected 22 fouls on the day, while the Blugolds had 14, sending UWS to the line just 12 times on the day. Junior guard Shaq Coleman (Duluth, Minn./Duluth East H.S.) was 5-for-6 from the line and had nine points for the Yellowjackets.

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UW-Superior will hit the road for the first time this season on Tuesday as the Yellowjackets travel to face another in-state rival, the University of Wisconsin Stout. Opening tip is set for 7:00 p.m. in Menomonie, Wisconsin.