Wagers' Timeout Bet Comes Up Winners In Winona

WINONA, Minn. (12/04/23)---A calculated timeout by head coach Kim Wagers paid off with a 14-2 run, which cashed out for a 64-52 win over St. Mary's in Winona.

Concordia watched its double-digit lead completely evaporate over a stretch of 2:30 at the start of the third quarter. After a third turnover to start the period, Wagers called timeout to regroup the Cobbers and get them back on track. The maneuver paid dividends as CC responded with five straight points out of the timeout, went on a 14-4 run to end the quarter and never let the Cardinals get to within five points for the final period of play.

The win is the fourth straight for Concordia, who move to 5-2 overall and 4-0 in the MIAC. CC is one of three league teams who haven't lost a conference game this year. St. Mary's loses for the fifth straight game and is 2-5 in all contests and 0-5 in league play.

The Cobbers never trailed in one of their three Monday games during the season. Greta Tollefson connected on a jumper in the paint to start the scoring on the team's second possession, and Concordia went on to score the first five points of the game and take a 15-13 lead into the second quarter.

Despite shooting only 11.1% (1-for-9) in the second quarter, the Cobbers never let the Cardinals tie the game or get out in front and went to the break with a 2-point lead at 30-28.

Concordia would score 17 points in each of the third and fourth quarters to grind out the road win.

The most dramatic stat category differential came around the basket, where the Cobbers outrebounded St. Mary's 50-32. It is the second time this season that CC has hauled down at least 50 boards, and the +18 rebound margin is the largest of the season.

Concordia shot 36.7% (22-for-60) from the floor, 33.3% (8-for-24) from outside the arc and 75.0% (12-for-16) from the foul line.

Makayla Anderson posted the first double of any Cobber this season to lead the team against SMU. She finished with 12 points and a season-high 11 rebounds.

Carlee Sieben went 3-for-7 from distance and posted a game-high 19 points. She also added four rebounds and three assists.

Molly Musland was the Anderson Automotive Spark Plug Player of the Game. She came off the bench, played 20 minutes and scored a season-high eight points to go with three rebounds. She was 2-for-3 from 3-point range.

UP NEXT: Concordia will host St. Benedict on Wednesday, Dec. 6 at 5:45 p.m. The Bennies are one of the other two unbeaten teams in MIAC play. CSB is 5-1 overall, 3-0 in the league and have won three straight.