The opportunities were there for the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point men's basketball team Saturday night.

After digging a deep first half hole and trailing by 15 points at the break, the Pointers made a strong second half comeback, several times reducing their deficit below double digits.

In the end, however, the Pointers could not overcome their cold shooting, both from the field and free throw line as UW-Eau Claire hung on to past a 76-67 victory before 800 fans at Zorn Arena.

The loss, which snapped a two game winning streak, dropped the Pointers to 406 in the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference and 10-8 overall.

The win, which atoned for an earlier setback in Stevens Point, improved the Blugolds to 6-3 in the WIAC and 12-5 overall.

Eau Claire, helped by a technical foul against the UW-SP bench, sank 14 of 22 first half shots to open a 41-26 intermission lead.

After connecting on just 8 of 27 first half attempts, the Pointers clawed their way back into contention, several times closing the gap to six points.

Keys to the rally were more aggressive defense, which forced UW-EC into 23 turnovers all told, and somewhat improved shooting (11 of 27), including four baskets from 3-point range.

The Pointers, however, could get no closer, in part because of lapses on defense and at he free throw line. UW-SP missed eight charity attempts in the second half.

The Pointers also had no answer to the Blugolds' front line trio of Sherm Carstensen, Jon Wallenfelsz, and Dave Mellenthin who combined for 52 points and 28 rebounds.

Carstensen, a 6-6 sophomore transfer from NCAA Division I UW-Green Bay, led the way with 18 points, including two treys.

Wallenfelsz, a 6-8 junior from Schofield D.C. Everest, scored 17 points and came down with 18 rebounds, all but four on the defensive glass. He also had three blocks.

Mellenthin, a 6-6 junior, added 17 points and five rebounds. Former SPASH standout Ben Schneeberger, a 6-5 sophomore, chipped in eight points and four rebounds in 26 minutes.

While the Blugolds shot at a torrid 52 percent clip from the floor, including 4 of 7 from 3-point range, the Pointers were limited to a frigid 33.9 percent on 19 of 57. UW-SP needed 20 attempts to sink seven treys and lost the rebound battle, 38-31.

Both teams had frequent trips to the free throw line in a game which featured 48 fouls and 61 free throws. The Blugolds converted 22 of 30 and the Pointers, who were whistled for 27 fouls, 22 of 31.

Sophomore guard Jay Bennett came off the bench to lead UW-SP with 17 points. He was 4 of 8 from long range.

Senior captain Derek Westrum also enjoyed a productive night with 14 points, 112 rebounds and six assists.