UWL Advances to Elite 8 for first time in program history; Holds off Illinois Wesleyan
A historic season for the #5th ranked UW-La Crosse Men’s basketball team will continue for another day, as the Eagles overcame a 16 point, 2nd half deficit and dispatched #9 Illinois Wesleyan 72-65 in front of 1,492 raucous fans at Mitchell Hall on Friday night to advance to the Elite 8.
The Eagles (25-5) trailed 48-32 with 13:46 remaining in the game when Head Coach JT Gritzmacher called for a timeout.
“We let everything we couldn’t control handle us. We were so out of character. We were worried about the foul calls. I said let’s worry about us, and we did that. They calmed down and we stayed together.”
Junior forward JJ Paider scored 12 of the last 14 points for the Eagles and finished with 21 points.
“I guess you can say a switch got flipped inside of me. I didn’t want to let the moment get away, and I thought our best chance to win was when I had the ball.”
As the shots continue to fall, the noise level in Mitchell Hall continued to elevate. Paider couldn’t help but think back to his first official visit to UWL.
“There might have been 200 people in the stands. Obviously we’ve had just one tournament win in program history. Tonight was the best atmosphere I’ve been a part of. I think that’s a testament to this team. When you do something special, people want to see it.”
Fifth year Senior Guard Will Fuhrmann got a steal and score with 4:38 remaining in the game to give UWL the lead and they wouldn’t relinquish it.
Fuhrmann says the belief in each other is a big reason for this unprecedented season.
“We never waver. No matter what happens we stick with each other. I’m very proud of these guys.”
UWL will face off with Washington University on Saturday night at 7PM from Mitchell Hall, with a Final 4 berth on the line.
