Math Doesn't Add Up In St. Joseph

ST. JOSEPH, Minn. (1/31/18)---The math didn't add up for Concordia on Wednesday at second-place St. Benedict. The Cobbers didn't score more than 15 points in a single quarter while the Blazers put up at least 15 points in all four periods. The equation led to a 74-54 loss.

The math equation turned in the second quarter after both teams scored 15 points in the opening period of play. St. Benedict outscored Concordia 18-10 to take a 33-25 lead into the halftime break.

Concordia (7-13/4-9 MIAC) then reached the apex of the equation by once again reaching the 15-point mark in the third quarter. CSB scored 17 in the third but then tacked on 24 points in the final period to finish with the 74-54 win.

The Cobbers had a pair of players score in double figures. Aleya Parker put up six points in the fourth quarter and finished with a team-high 14 points. She also dished out three assists. Kirstin Simmons missed a double-double by a single rebound as she collected nine boards and scored 12 points. Freshman guard Amber Lingen came away with a team-high three steals in the contest. 

Concordia shot 49.0% (24-for-49) from the floor and 30.8% (4-for-13) from 3-point range. The Cobbers were held to a season-low three free throw attempts. CC was 2-for-3 from the foul line.

St. Benedict (18-2/12-1 MIAC) shot 49.2% (29-for-59) from the field and 47.6% (10-for-21) from outside the arc. CSB was 6-for-12 from the free throw line.

STAT ADVANTAGE: The two biggest differences in the game came from outside the arc and around the basket. St. Benedict knocked down six more 3-point field goals and held a 32-18 edge in points in the paint. The Blazers also hauled down five more offensive rebounds which led to a 17-6 advantage in second chance points.

STAYING OUT OF THE WAY: The two teams combined for only 15 free throws in the game which is a season low in a single game for the Cobbers. The teams were also only whistled for 24 fouls which is the second lowest total of the season. On Saturday CC and Macalester only had 18 fouls in their game.

WHAT'S NEXT: Concordia will return home to start a two-game home stand. The Cobbers will host Augsburg on Saturday, Feb. 3 at 3 p.m. as part of the annual Buck Day celebration. The Auggies are 11-8 in all games and 7-6 in the MIAC and are currently tied for fifth place in the league standings.