Senior Cassidy Rahman had team highs in points and rebounds in the Cobbers' contest at Gustavus.
Senior Cassidy Rahman had team highs in points and rebounds in the Cobbers' contest at Gustavus.

Pressurized

ST. PETER, Minn. (1/06/18)---Concordia led No.21-ranked Gustavus 15-9 with just over 4-minutes left in the first quarter of play. That's when turnovers and the quick-strike Gustie offense took over and handed the Cobbers an 84-47 loss.

Concordia finished the game with 30 turnovers and Gustavus scored 14 fast-break points as the Cobbers dropped their fourth straight game. CC is now 5-7 in all games and 2-3 in the MIAC. Gustavus wins for the third straight game and is now 11-2 overall and 5-1 in league play.

The Cobbers were unable to handle the high-pressure Gustavus defense in the final three quarters of play. Concordia committed 22 of their 30 miscues in the final 30 minutes of play. That led to a 35-5 edge in points of off turnovers for GAC.

In addition to the advantage with their defense, Gustavus held a decided edge on field goal attempts and points around the basket. The Gusties put up 74 field goal attempts as compared to 41 for the Cobbers and GAC held a 48-22 margin in points in the paint.

Concordia shot 39.0% (16-for-41) from the floor for the game and 20.0% (3-for-15) from outside the arc. Gustavus connected on 44.6% (33-for-74) of their field goal attempts but just 17.6% (3-for-17) of their chances from 3-point range.  

The Cobbers had three players with eight points each. Cassidy Rahman notched eight points and grabbed a team-high four rebounds. Grace Wolhowe had eight points and three boards while Elizabeth Birkemeyer posted eight points and a team-high three assists.

A LOT OF SHOTS: The 74 field goal attempts for Gustavus is the most by an opponent for Concordia and the most chucked up in a single game since the 2015-16 season when Buena Vista went 19-for-77 from the floor in a 78-52 Cobber win on Jan. 2.

BIRKEMEYER'S BEST: Elizabeth Birkemeyer had her best game in maroon and gold. The freshman from Ada had career highs in points and assists.
 
WHAT'S NEXT: Concordia will go from the frying pan to the fire as they host No.16-ranked St. Thomas on Wednesday, Jan. 10 at 7:45 p.m. The Tommies are 11-2 in all games and 6-0 in conference play.