Multiple Second-Half Runs Can't Overcome Minot State

MINOT, N.D. (11/20/12)—Concordia made run after run in the second half against Minot State but could never get within four points and lost 84-71. The Cobbers were done in by a 16-7 run by the Beavers over a six-minute stretch midway through the second half and lost for the second time in the first three games of the 2012-13 season.

Concordia led only two times in the game and never were ahead after Minot State went on a 9-0 run after the Cobbers had taken a 9-8 lead at the 14:46 mark of the first period. The Beavers built the lead to as many as 11 points in the opening 20 minutes of play before Concordia closed the gap to within six at 37-31 at the break.

For the third straight Concordia got most of their point production from the starting five players. The Cobber starters scored 63 of the team's 71 points. The CC bench has only accounted for 11.3% (23-of-203) of the team's total points in the first three games of the year.

Another key in the loss at Minot State was the foul trouble of starting center Alexandra Lippert and guard Emily Thesing. Lippert picked up her second fall with 7:38 left in the first half and didn't play for the rest of the period. She then picked up two fouls in a span of two minutes in the second half and didn't play in the final 5:33 of the game. Thesing fouled out for the first time in her collegiate career.     

Sophomore guard Alley Fisher had a team-high 17 points for the Cobbers. She was 5-for-8 from the floor including a perfect 3-for-3 from outside the arc. Erika Jossart was 5-for-9 from the field and added a season-high 16 points. She has now posted double-digit point totals in two straight games.  Thesing was the third member of CC to end the game with more than 10 points. She had 14 points and six rebounds.

Concordia surpassed the 20-turnover point for the second straight game. The Cobbers had 20 miscues against Minot State. The other big statistical advantage came in points around the basket. The Beavers had 38-24 edge in points in the paint.

Minot State (2-0) was led by Sacarra Molina who went 9-for-9 from the free throw and collected a game-high 21 points. She had 16 of her 21 points in the first 20 minutes of play. Carly Boag recorded the game's only double-double. She had 18 points and grabbed a game-high 14 rebounds.

Concordia will now turn its attention to conference play. The Cobbers open the MIAC schedule on Wednesday, Nov. 28 when they host Bethel at 5:45 p.m.