A Fine Line Between Winning And Losing

MOORHEAD, Minn. (12/10/14)—Concordia made only two of its eight attempts from the free throw line and three of its 11 shots from outside the 3-point line in the second half and lost 66-59. Despite the cold shooting, the Cobbers had a chance to tie the game in the final two minutes of play but were outscored 8-2 and lost by seven points.

Valley City made six of its eight free throws in the final minute of play to seal the victory. The Vikings were able to connect on shots when it mattered down the stretch. VCSU was 4-for-4 from the field in the final 4:30 of the second half.        

The loss is the second in the last three games for Concordia as they fall to 5-4 on the season. The game was also the last non-conference game of the year for the Cobbers. CC finishes with a 4-3 record against non-league opponents. The Vikings up their winning streak to four games and improve to 7-4 on the season.

Concordia held a one-point lead at 42-41 with 11:13 left to play but then the struggles at the line and behind the arc cost the Cobbers the victory. Concordia was 1-for-4 from the free throw line and committed five turnovers in the final nine minutes of the second half. The missed scoring opportunities on eight possessions hurt the Cobbers down the stretch.

The Cobbers held the lead for most of the first half. They grabbed a 6-4 lead at 15:48 and then stayed in front for the remainder of the period. CC pushed the lead to six points in the first half but the Vikings were able to finish the period on an 8-4 and Concordia took a one-point lead at 28-27 into the break.

Junior forward Olivia Johnson was a force inside all night and led the Cobbers during much of the second half. She finished with 14 points and a game-high 13 rebounds. The 13 rebounds tie a career high for Johnson.

Concordia vs. Valley City State Video Highlights

Alley Fisher and Greta Walsh also scored in double figures for the Cobbers. Fisher had a team-high 15 points and also added three rebounds, three steaks and two assists. Walsh finished with 14 points after going 4-for-6 from 3-point range. She also had three rebounds and two assists.

Erin Januschka had seven rebounds and seven points to go along with two blocks and two assists.

Concordia wound up shooting 36.1% (22-for-61) from the floor and 25.0% (5-for-20) from 3-point range. It is the third straight game they have made less than 30-percent of their shots from outside the arc. The Cobbers made 47.6% (10-for-21) of their free throw attempts against VCSU.

Valley City shot 44.0% (22-for-50) from the floor and 40.0% (6-for-15) from 3-points range.

The Cobbers will now have three weeks off for the Christmas break before returning to play on Saturday, Jan. 3 when they host No.15-ranked St. Mary's at 1 p.m.