Issued: November 29, 2002

LARSON LEADS MEN'S BASKETBALL TO VICTORY

ROCHESTER, NY - Jason Larson (Sr-Sugarland, TX/Stephen F. Austin) scored 31 points, including the Blugold's last four points, en route to defeating Calvin College 78-73 in the first round of the Holiday Inn Airport Invitational here tonight at the Louis Alexandra Palestra.

The game played tonight was a rematch of the 2000 NCAA Division III Championship game in which the Blugolds fell to Calvin. The win improves the Blugolds record to 4-0 for the season while Calvin drops to 2-2 overall. Calvin was ranked 15th in the country according to a preseason poll by D3Hoops.com. They were also ranked 10th in the country in Street and Smith's magazine.

The first half was relatively back and forth as the Blugolds took a slim three point lead into the locker room at halftime. The second half saw the Blugolds extend their lead to nine points with less than 15 minutes to play. When it looked as if Eau Claire would turn the game into a blowout the Knights went on a 14-4 run and took a two point lead with just over two minutes to play.

With momentum entirely on the side of the Knights, Jason Larson scored eight points in the final 2:20 of the game to give the Blugolds a 78-73 victory. Eau Claire came up big from the free-throw line in the second half, sinking 9-of-10 shots from the line.

Larson led Eau Claire in every offensive category. His 31 points, 10 rebounds and 39 minutes were all game highs while his five assists co-led the team. He also shot 2-of-3 from behind the arc and 7-of-8 from the charity stripe.

Dan Archambault (So-Oshkosh/West) contributed 15 points for the Blugolds as well as five assists while Andy Witte (Sr-Madison/Monona Grove) scored 13 points and grabbed nine rebounds in the Blugold win.

The Blugolds will remain in Rochester overnight to face the University of Rochester, who topped John Hopkins University 72-48. Tip-off is set for 2:00 p.m.

Eau Claire-Calvin Box