Scoring Sprees Stymie Cobbers

MINNEAPOLIS. Minn. (1/25/20)---Double-digit scoring streaks at the start of the game and at the end of the game proved to be the decisive points in Concordia's 82-62 loss at Augsburg.

The first critical stretch came after the opening tip when Concordia bolted to a 9-0 lead courtrsy of three straight 3-pointers from Autumn Thompson only to see the Auggies go on a 12-0 run and take the lead. The other turning point came in the fourth quarter when Mary Sem got free under the basket and made a layup to bring the Cobbers within three points at 57-54. Augsburg then sealed the conference win by scoring 25 of the next 30 points in a streak that lasted until the final 30-seconds of play.

The loss brings Concordia's 2-game win streak to a close. The Cobbers are now 7-9 in all games and 5-6 in MIAC play. The Cobbers remain in sole possession of sixth place in the league standings. The Auggies win for the fourth time in the last five games and up their overall record to 14-3. AU is now 10-2 in the conference and in a 3-way tie for second place in the standings.

One of the keys for Augsburg in the second half was their ability to rebound and get points around the basket. The Cobbers only trailed by three points at the break and had a 19-17 advantage in rebounds. The Auggies then outrebounded Concordia 18-12 in the second and had 24-4 advantage in points in the paint.

The Cobbers shot 37.8% (17-for-45) in the game from the field as opposed to 46.0% (29-for-63) for Augsburg. Concordia made two more 3-pointers (10-8) and two more free throws (18-16) in the game.

The Auggies finished with a 35-31 edge in rebounding and a 42-14 advantage in points in the paint.

Concordia had three players score at least 10 points and was led by Thompson who finished with 18 points after going 4-for-8 from outside the arc.

Sem and Emily Beseman both had 10 points each. Sem was 6-for-6 from the free throw line while Beseman went 7-for-8 and also added a team-high four assists.

Bailee Larson grabbed a game-high seven rebounds and also chipped in eight points.            

INSIDE STAT INFO: The Cobbers turned the ball over 24 times against the Auggies. That is the second-highest total in a conference game this year. Concordia is now 1-5 when they have at least 20 turnovers in a league game this year.

ONE STREAK ENDED, ANOTHER ONE STARTED: Emily Beseman had her consecutive free throw streak ended at 26. Beseman entered the game having made 21 straight foul shots and proceeded to make her first five of the game. She then missed on the second of two free throws with 4:44 left n the fourth quarter. Beseman then started a new streak by making two straight to finish the game.

Beseman continues to lead the MIAC in free throw percentage in league games. She is shooting 94.1% (32-for-34) from the line.  

UP NEXT: Concordia will look to start a new win streak when they play at Carleton on Wednesday, Jan. 29 at 7 p.m. The Knights are 6-11 overall and 3-9 in the MIAC and are coming off a 66-49 home win against St. Benedict.     

Saturday recaps sponsored by Bufffalo Wild Wings: Grab your friends and get to B-Dubs on Sunday nights for College Nights at 9 p.m. 50% off 1 food item with ID and $3 apps at the Buffalo Wild Wings located on Hwy 10 in Moorhead.