EAU CLAIRE, Wis. - The Gustavus men's basketball team erased a 13-point deficit en route to an 86-80 overtime victory at UW-Eau Claire on Sunday, improving to 1-1 after the season-opening weekend. The game featured 11 lead changes with the Blugolds holding the advantage for over 32 minutes of the game, but the Gusties fought back to end the second half and took control in overtime for the win. 

UW-Eau Claire jumped out to a 9-3 lead in the first three minutes before the Gusties scored seven straight for their first lead of the game. The lead switched sides three times in the next two minutes before the Blugolds went on an 8-1 run and held the advantage for the rest of the first half. UWEC led 35-28 at the break. 

The home squad started the second half strong, expanding its lead to 43-30 within the first two minutes - marking the largest lead of the game. The Gusties were quick to respond as Evan Wieker, Wyatt Olson, and Myles Barnette scored seven straight points. A Dawson Kellen pull up jumper with 14 minutes remaining cut the deficit to two at 46-44 and the Blugolds held on to a thin lead for the next eight minutes until a layup by Wieker at the 6:02 mark gave the Gusties a 61-60 lead. 

Gustavus extended its lead to 69-64 on a turnaround jumper by Olson with 2:35 left in regulation, but the Blugolds went on a 8-2 run over the next minute to regain the lead at 72-71. Wieker then made one of two free throws with a minute left to tie the game and neither team was able to score in the final minute, sending the game to overtime. 

After a Spencer Swanson layup for the first two points of overtime, the Blugolds were able to tie the score twice, but the Gusties ended the final 1:21 on a 7-1 run to secure the win. Olson was key down the stretch, posting seven points and four rebounds in the final 3:24. 

"I'm really pleased with the response the men had tonight," said Head Coach Justin DeGrood. "We spent the last 24 hours talking about being a better version of ourselves, something we were disappointed in last night. The effort and toughness showed through tonight in so many ways. We had so many fellas step up in their moments when we needed them. Statistically, I was pleased with a number of columns. I loved our fight on the offensive glass, toughness to earn free throws, and how we found poise in valuing possessions. We had six turnovers in the first 10 minutes and then three in the last 35 minutes. And we needed every one of those possessions. That was a tremendous four-team field and we are happy to be coming home knowing more about ourselves and having been tested in many ways." 

The Gusties shot 46.9 percent from the floor and made 8-of-15 threes. Olson led the team with 21 points, 11 rebounds, and two blocks. Four other Gusties reached double-figure scoring as well - Brady Kienitz (16), Wieker (15), Swanson (14), and Jake Schmitt (11). The Gusties out-rebounded the Blugolds 45-40. 

Gustavus has the next nine days off before hosting Central on Nov. 20 for its home opener. 
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