Cobbs Drop Thanksgiving Classic Opener

INDIANOLA, Iowa (11/29/19)---Concordia gave up a 13-0 run and then a 12-0 streak in the second quarter at Simpson and went on to lose 96-58 to the Storm in the first game of the Simpson Thanksgiving Classic.

The Cobbers led 12-11 at the end of the first quarter and then had the Storm roll off 13 straight points to make the score 24-12. Concordia then chipped into the lead towards the end of the first half but then Simpson put up 12 straight points to take a 36-18 lead which proved to be the difference in the game.

Concordia has now dropped four straight games and is 1-4 on the season. Simpson, who was picked to finish third in the tough American River Conference, wins for the third time in their first four games and moves to 3-1 on the year.

The Cobbers shot just 26.3% (5-for-19) from the floor and 22.2% (2-for-9) from outside the arc in the fateful second quarter. On the other end of the curt, Simpson knocked down 64.7% (11-for-7) of their shots from the field and 66.7% (4-for-6) of their attempts from outside the arc as they outscored Concordia 28-12 in the 10 minutes of play.

Concordia shot 36.2% (21-for-58) from the field and 16.7% (4-for-24) from 3-point range for the game. CC was 12-for-18 from the free throw line. The Storm shot an impressive 60.3% (38-for-63) from the floor and 61.9% (13-for-21) from long range. SC was 7-for-11 from the foul stripe.

If win/loss record was determined by rebounding, the Cobbers would be 3-0-1 on the season. Concordia outrebounded Simpson 33-32 and has outrebounded three of their four opponents this season. The Cobbers are a plus-35 in rebounds this year.

One of the biggest statistical advantages in the game came underneath the basket where the Storm outscored the Cobbers 48-26 in points in the paint. Simpson's full-court press also led to a 32-17 edge in points off of turnovers.

Junior Rachel Hoernemann led the Cobbers with 12 points as she went 4-for-8 from the floor and 2-for-5 from outside the arc. She also chipped in four rebounds and three steals.

Sophomore Mary Sem was the only other CC player in double figures in scoring. She finished with 10 points and also had four rebounds.

Freshman Emily Beseman had a team-high six rebounds and also posted nine points.

UP NEXT: Concordia will finish off the Simpson Thanksgiving Classic when they play Buena Vista on Saturday, Nov. 30 at 1 p.m. The Beavers lost to Calvin in the other game of the tournament and are 1-5 on the season.