News Release

ASHLAND, Wis. — UW-Stevens Point used a torrid shooting performance in the second half to break open a tight game and sprint past Northland for an 84-59 victory in non-conference men’s basketball Friday in Ashland.

The Pointers led 34-33 at halftime before senior Brian Bauer took over at the start of the second half, knocking down three-pointers on the Pointers’ first three possessions of the half. Bauer was fouled on a three-point shot the next time down the floor and hit all three free throws for a 46-35 lead as the Auburndale native scored 12 points in the first 3:20 of the half.

Bauer finished with a career high scoring total for the second straight game with 22 points after totaling 20 on Saturday at UW-La Crosse. Bauer also drained a career-best six three-pointers.

Though Bauer slowed after the sizzling start to the half, the rest of the Pointers’ squad stayed red-hot. Khalifa El-Amin drilled a three-pointer from the top of the key, Bauer hit two free throws and Jon Krull added another three-pointer as the Pointers hit their first five shots of the half – all from behind the arc – to take a commanding 54-35 lead.

UW-Stevens Point played without two starters as point guard Steve Hicklin and forward Kevin Grusczynski were both sidelined with injuries. The Pointers opened up an early 14-6 lead, but Northland used a 17-9 run to take a three-point lead later in the half before UW-Stevens Point rallied to regain the one-point halftime advantage.

Krull added 19 points and Pete Rortvedt had 12 points for the Pointers, who are now 6-2 overall. Aaron Arneson led Northland with 15 points as the Lumberjacks fell to 0-6 overall.