Story Remains The Same

MOORHEAD, Minn. (1/28/23)---The story remained the same for the Cobbers as they were close down the stretch, but couldn't come up with a go-ahead basket and fell by fewer than six points.

Concordia rallied from an 18-point deficit midway through the second half in their game with Bethel, and cut the margin to two points with 4:51 left in regulation but was never able to take the lead and lost 81-76. It marks the fifth straight game that Concordia had lost by six or fewer points.

The Cobbers eventually cut the lead to two points with 14-seconds to play, but the Royals were able to make one of their two free throws on the next possession and then block a CC shot on the other end to hang on for the win.

Concordia held the advantage around the basket as they outrebounded Bethel 31-23, and outscored the Royals 42-36 in points in the paint. CC also hauled down 11 offensive rebounds which turned into a 20-10 margin in second-chance points.

The Cobbers were cold from the outside as they shot 18.2% (4-for-22) from outside the arc. It marks the second straight game CC has shot under 29.0% from distance.

Bethel (7-12, 5-9 MIAC) shot 40.9% (9-for-22) from 3-point range for the game. They were able to connect on key 3-pointers during both halves. The Royals also shot 59.3% (32-for-54) from the floor and 53.3% (8-for-15) from the foul line.

Concordia continued their season-long trend of hot shooting from the free throw line. CC was 10-for-11 from the stripe, and still leads the MIAC with a 79.0% free throw mark for the season. That mark is also fifth best in DIII this year.

The Cobbers had four players finish with at least 10 points. Matthew Johnson led all players with 19 points as he was 7-for-14 from the field. He also had eight rebounds.

Freshman Jacob Cook recorded his first collegiate double-double. He was 7-for-11 from the field and finished with 14 points. He also grabbed a season-high 11 boards.      

Rowan Nelson posted his 18th straight double-digit scoring total. He scored 13 points, added five rebounds and three assists.

Jackson Jangula had 12 points, and was 2-for-4 from outside the arc.

UP NEXT: Concordia will have a quick turnaround before their next game. CC will host St. John's on Monday, Jan. 30 at 5:15 p.m.