Relentless Cobbers Go Wire-To-Wire In Opener

MOORHEAD, Minn. (11/15/13)—The new-look Cobbers were relentless on the defensive end, got just enough offensive output and bettered Minn.-Morris 63-39 in the season opener on Friday.

Concordia started five new players from last season's team that finished second in the MIAC regular season and held the Cougars to 31.8% (14-for-44) for the game. The Cobbers, playing in front of a boisterous crowd, shot 43.6% (25-for-55) for the game. CC has now won three straight season openers.

Both teams struggled to get into an offensive rhythm in the first half. Morris scored just eight points in the first 10 minutes of play. The Cobbers were able to use a 9-2 run in the first four minutes of play to settle their inexperienced nerves.

Concordia pushed the lead to 10 points on several occasions before the Cougars went on a 4-0 run to get to within six points at 26-20 with less than four minutes left in the opening period. The key stretch in the game came right before the break when the Cobbers scored the final eight points in the half to grab a 34-20 lead.

Morris would try to get the lead under double digits in the first part of the second half but each time Concordia would answer and keep the Cougars at arm's length.

Concordia had five more 3-point field goals in the game and came away with 11 more field goal attempts. CC also only committed 10 turnovers in the opener as compared to 15 for Morris.

The Cobbers had a pair of player finish in double digits in scoring. Freshman Austin Hawkins came off the bench, didn't miss a shot from the floor – including both shots from 3-point range – and finished with a game-high 13 points. He also grabbed eight rebounds and added a steal and a block to complete one of the better first games in a collegiate career in recent history. Sophomore guard Tom Fraase added 10 points and was 3-for-8 from the floor. Jordan Bolger was a force inside and collected a game-high nine rebounds.  Brett Bergeson and Brady Syverson chipped in eight points each.

Concordia will step up in competition when they play at MSU Moorhead on Friday, Nov. 22 at 7 p.m.