The 10th-ranked Concordia women's basketball team rode a wave of momentum to a blowout 79-58 victory over the Briar Cliff University Chargers on Saturday afternoon in GPAC action at the Doghouse.
The Bulldogs jumped out to a quick 12-4 lead three minutes into the game and never looked back. The closest the Chargers would get is a seven point deficit at 15-8. Concordia's lead grew to as much as 17 before the halftime intermission, at 48-31.
Concordia's shooters went cold to start the second half as the Charger defense held the Bulldogs to eight points in the first seven minutes of the second half. Luckily for the Bulldogs the Briar Cliff shooters were just as cool and Concordia was able to keep the sizable lead they had established. Inevitably the Bulldog shooters found their touch and the Concordia lead ballooned to as much as 24 before Head Coach Drew Olson called off the dogs, and got his freshman some much valued playing time.
The Bulldogs were led offensively by junior guard Melissa Tinkham, who had 24 points on 9-of-24 shooting from the field that included being 6-of-16 from three point range. Sophomore forward Amber Quinn was the only other Bulldog in double digits for the Concordia offense with 10 points. Every Bulldog that saw action in the game scored at least one basket.
Cat Nelson led the Briar Cliff offense with 16 points, and former Concordia athlete Jamie Phipps added 11 points for the Chargers.
The Bulldogs look to keep playing strong as they head to Hastings, Neb. for a 6 p.m. GPAC match up with the Broncos, who come into the game ranked #12 in the latest NAIA poll.
