The 10th-ranked Concordia University, Nebraska women's basketball teamed earned a physical 101-82 victory over the Peru State College Bobcats on Saturday afternoon in Seward, Neb. After controlling the tempo in the first half, the Tigers (1-11, 0-0 MCAC) struggled with ball control in the second half, piling up 18 turnovers that the Bulldogs (11-1, 4-1 GPAC) would turn into a decisive lead.
Peru State jumped out to a 14-7 lead with five minutes into the game when Lindsey Carlson drained a three. After a steal by Whitney Stichka, Concordia coach Drew Olson settled his team down with a quick time out.
After trading buckets for rest of the first half the Bulldogs took their first lead of the game when Stichka spotted up from the top of the key for a key three pointer, putting the Bulldogs up 29-28. With seven seconds remaining in the half, Stichka took ball the length of the court and tied the score at 37-37.
After the break the squads played even basketball until the 15-minute mark. The Bulldogs then went on a 15-6 run in the next three minutes to take control of the game.
The Concordia lead swelled to as many as 24 with 7:50 remaining. Concordia's second-half surge was thanks in large part to 48 points in the paint, most of which came on second-chance opportunities. Bulldog offensive rebounds totaled 24 for the game.
Concordia also benefited from a strong performance at the charity stripe, converting on 33-46 free throws, while Peru was 25-39 in the game.
Whitney Stichka led the Bulldogs offensively with 29 points to go along with six boards. Stichka was one of four Concordia players in double digits including Stacy Scheer with 19, Melissa Tinkham with 14, and Libby Hirssig with 13. Hirssig was one rebound away from a double-double with nine.
Peru State was paced by Leisha Tennal with 23 points on 7-of-12 shooting from the field. Lindsey Carlson added 12 points, and Alison Hill also scored in double digits with 11.
The Bulldogs have a holiday break until taking part in the Columbia College Classic on Dec. 28-29 in Columbia, Mo. There they will take on William Woods and the host school, Columbia College.
