Final 12 Minutes Costs Cobbers

VALLEY CITY, N.D. (11/28/11)—Concordia was outscored 39-10 in the final 12 minutes of play against Valley City State on Monday and wound up losing 74-63. The Cobbers led 27-26 at the half but then watched as the Vikings shot 60.0% from the floor in the final period to come away with the win.   

The Cobbers struggled shooting the ball the entire game as they shot just 26.7% (4-for-15) from 3-point range and 36.8% (22-for-57) from the floor in their first loss of the season. The lone statistical bright spot for CC came at the free throw line where the Cobbers went 17-for-22 (77.3%) for the game.

The teams were almost identical in most statistical categories. Both teams collected 38 rebounds in the game and both had 18 turnovers. The difference came in the amount of free throws and 3-point shooting percentage. Valley City was 21-for-30 (70.0%) from the free throw line and shot 36.8% (7-for-19) from behind the arc. The four more free throws made and nine more points from long range proved to be the margin on the scoreboard.  

Concordia (2-1) had a pair of players in double figures in scoring. Emily Thesing continued her all-around early-season success by scoring 14 points to go along with seven rebounds and four assists. Thesing was 6-for-6 from the free throw line. Sophomore center Alex Lippert had 10 points and added seven rebounds and two blocks. Lippert has scored at least 10 points in all three games this season for CC. Tricia Sorensen chipped in eight points, seven rebounds and three assists while sophomore point guard Erika Jossart also came away with eight points as she was 4-for-4 from the free throw line.

Valley City State (4-7) had four of their five starting players factor in double figures in scoring for the game. The Vikings were led by Katelyn Rolston was 7-for-12 from the floor and finished with a game-high 17 points. Sierra Even went 3-for-5 from outside the arc and had 15 points while Sadiqah Jihad added a game-high nine rebounds and recorded 13 overall points.          

The Cobbers will open MIAC play on Wednesday when they play at Macalester at 5:45 p.m.