News Release

River Falls, Wi. — Rich Melzer hit two free throws with 38 seconds remaining to record his 2,000th and 2,001st career points as the Falcons blew out visiting UW-Superior 69-53 at the Karges Center for their eighth straight win.

Melzer, who recorded a double-double in the game with 29 points and 12 rebounds, became only the third Falcon ever to surpass the 2,000 point milestone. Only Nate DeLong (2,592, 1946-50) and Dean Cook (2,261, 1987-91) have scored more career points.

The Falcons (10-4, 4-2 WIAC) held the Yellowjackets to 29 percent shooting in the first half as they built a 17 point halftime lead. The lead swelled to 25 at 55-30 midway through the second half before Melzer's teammates started feeding him the ball to get him over 2,000 at home.

"We wanted to get this out of the way," Falcon coach Rick Bowen said. "I wanted Rich to get this at home."

While it led to 35 percent second half shooting and 10 turnovers, the Falcons continued to feed Melzer until he hit the final two free throws. He then left the floor to a standing ovation.

C.J. Becker scored 15 points, including 3-3 from three-point range, and grabbed seven rebounds to join Melzer in double figures. Micah Helfrey scored nine points and dished out five assists.

In other WIAC action, UW-Whitewater upset UW-Stevens Point at Stevens Point, moving the Falcons into a five-way tie for first place.