Low Field Goal And Rebound Totals Lead To Loss

ST. PAUL, Minn. (1/10/15)—a 17-3 first-half run wasn't enough as Concordia had the stat column titled against them in a 74-48 loss at No.6-ranked St. Thomas. Making only 14 field goals and being outrebounded by 17 didn't add up as the Cobbers lost for the first time in 2015.

Concordia (8-5/4-2 MIAC) tried to duplicate the formula they had in their win over Bethel on Wednesday, falling behind in the first half, mounting a big comeback towards the end of the period and then pulling away in the second half. Unfortunately that wouldn't be the case on Saturday as they weren't able to sustain their scoring touch after they turned a 22-8 deficit into a 25-25 tie game at the back end of the opening period. The Cobbers gave up the final six points of the first half and were then outscored by 20 points in the second period.

St. Thomas, who remains unbeaten on the year - moving to 10-0 in all games and 6-0 in the MIAC, shot above 48.0% from the floor in each period and a consistent 33.3% from outside the arc over the course of the game. The Cobbers shot 50.0% (5-for-10) from 3-point range but clicked on only 32.6 (14-for-43) of their shots from the floor. The 14 made field goals is the lowest total of the season and fewest in a game since the 2009-10 season when they also had 14 in a loss to DII MSU Moorhead.

The Cobbers were outrebounded 39-22 for the game.  The 17-rebound deficit is the biggest since the 2011-12 campaign when they were outrebounded by 20 against the Tommies.

The one positive shooting stat for Concordia came at the free throw line where CC went 15-for-18 (83.3%). They were able to make almost twice as many free throws as St. Thomas attempted in a tribute to their ability to drive off the dribble and draw fouls close to the basket.

The Cobbers are now shooting 82.4% from the free throw line in their six MIAC games this season. That total leads the conference. CC has also made more free throws (99) than any other team in the conference.

Concordia had only one player score more than six points on Saturday. Senior Alley Fisher was 7-for-8 from the free throw line and finished with 11 points. Erin Januschka led the team with five rebounds.

The Cobbers will look to start another win streak when they play at Gustavus on Wednesday, Jan. 14 at 5:45 p.m.