Issued: February 13, 2003

MEN'S BASKETBALL TO TIP-OFF WITH WHITEWATER

EAU CLAIRE - With only two games left in the regular season and a 6-8 mark in conference play, the UW-Eau Claire men's basketball team looks to pull within one game of .500 in the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference standings with a win over 14th ranked UW-Whitewater Saturday at W.L. Zorn Arena at 7:00 p.m.

The Blugolds come into Saturday's game with a 14-9 overall record while the nationally ranked Warhawks post a 17-4 record, including a mark of 9-4 in conference action. Whitewater is currently in a tie for second place with UW-Stout in the WIAC standings.

Eau Claire is fresh off a 76-62 loss to UW-Oshkosh in Oshkosh. Prior to the loss to the Titans the Blugolds won back-to-back conference games against La Crosse and River Falls.

The Blugolds look to avenge a January 11 overtime loss to the Warhawks in which Whitewater made 67 trips to the free-throw line, converting on 48 of the attempts. Jason Larson (Sr-Sugarland, TX/Stephen F. Austin) will look to repeat his 29 point, eight rebound performance against the Warhawks in which he sank all 10 free throws he attempted. Larson is the current WIAC player of the week, as he posted 58 points and 15 rebounds in two games last week, including knocking down 13-of-20 three point shots.

The Warhawks had a three game win streak snapped on Wednesday by conference leaders UW-Stevens Point. The Pointers showed why they are the current leaders of the WIAC, winning by 18 points at 71-53. The Warhawks have yet to lose back-to-back games this season.

Eau Claire currently holds a 55-38 advantage in the all-time series between the Blugolds and Warhawks.

Normal admission prices will be charged for the conference match up. Tip-off is at 7:00 p.m., Saturday night at Zorn Arena.