Lights Out In Buffalo In Season Opener

BUFFALO, N.Y. (11/15/13)—Concordia started the 2013-14 season by blistering the net for 52 first-half points en route to a 88-42 win over Houghton in the first round of the Betty Abgott Invitational hosted by Buffalo State (N.Y.)

The Cobbers shot 56.4% (22-for-39) from the floor in the opening 20 minutes of play against the Highlanders. Concordia never trailed in the game as they bolted to a 7-0 lead, increased the margin to 19-5 and then went on a 15-3 run to finish off the period and take a 52-18 lead into the break.

Concordia cooled off in the second but still outscored Houghton 36-24 to come away with the 46-point victory. The Cobbers have now won four of their last five season openers and are 8-3 in first games under head coach Jessica Rahman.

One of the biggest stat advantages for Concordia came from turnovers. The Cobbers' pressure defense forced 22 misuces while Concordia only turned the ball over seven times in the game. CC finished the game by shooting 45.9% (34-for-74) from the floor. When not causing turnovers, the Cobber defense limited Houghton to 28.6% shooting (16-for-56) for the game. Concordia outrebounded the Highlanders 49-39.

The Cobbers had four players score in double figures. Junior guard Alley Fisher led the way with 15 points. She went 3-for-4 from behind the arc in the first half and finished by connecting on 6-of-11 shots from the floor. Kelsey Walloch was 5-for-7 from the field and added 12 points and a team-high six rebounds. Senior center Alexandra Lippert came away with 11 points, four rebounds and four blocked shots while Hannah Jeske came off the bench to put up 10 points and match Walloch's rebound total of six. Erika Jossart led all players with five assists.

The Cobbers will now face host Buffalo State in the championship game of the Betty Abgott Invitational on Saturday, Nov. 16 at 1 p.m.