Second-Half Shooting Stymies Cobbers

MOORHEAD, Minn. (1/04/13)—Concordia shot just 14.3% (1-for-7) from 3-point range and was outscored by 13 points in the second half as they watched a four-point halftime lead evaporate into a 66-57 loss to St. Mary's.

The Cobbers gave up a 15-4 run midway through the second half which turned a one-point game into a 12-point deficit.


Concordia vs. St. Mary's Video Highlights


The loss is the first at home for Concordia in the 2013-14 season. The Cobbers also have their two-game win streak come to an end. CC is now 6-3 overall and 4-2 in the MIAC. St. Mary's win for the fourth straight game and is now 7-1 in all games and 4-1 in league play.

Concordia trailed by as many as seven points in the first half but then made 4-of-5 field goals and a pair of free throws to take an eight-point lead at 31-23 with 3:06 left in the opening period. The Cobbers were able to take a four-point lead into the break and then went cold from the outside in the second half.

The Cobbers shot 30.8% (8-for-26) from the floor in the decisive second half. CC attempted four less shots from the floor, connected on six less field goals and made three fewer 3-point field goals in the final period. That combination led to the Cardinals outscoring the Cobbers 36-23 in the second half.

Concordia wound up shooting 40.4% (19-for-47) from the floor for the game. CC also connected on 36.4% (4-for-11) of their shots from outside the arc. The Cobbers were able to outrebound SMU 34-29 but committed two more turnovers (15-13).

Olivia Johnson led all players in scoring for Concordia. She finished with 15 points and went 6-for-6 from the free throw line. She also pulled down six rebounds. Freshman guard Greta Walsh scored 10 points in the first half but was held scoreless in the second period. She missed only one shot all day. Senior center Alexandra Lippert had seven points and a team-high seven rebounds.

Concordia will take to the road to play back-to-back conference games on Monday and Tuesday. The Cobbers will hopefully play at St. Olaf on Monday and then head across Northfield to take on Carleton on Tuesday. Both games will start at 5:45 p.m.