Concordia University 78, Doane College 60 (view stats)
Concordia University used a strong second half to pull away for a 78-60 women’s basketball win over Doane College on Wednesday evening in Seward. The Bulldogs improved to 8-2 overall and 2-1 in the GPAC with the win. The Tigers dropped to 5-5 overall and 1-2 in the GPAC with the loss.
Doane scored 16 fast break points in the first half, but the Bulldogs managed to take a 35-34 lead into halftime. Doane hit 14-of-31 shots in the first half for 45.2 percent, while Concordia hit 12-of-25 shots for 48 percent. The Bulldogs were 9-of-10 from the foul line in the first 20 minutes.
“We didn’t play very well in the first half,” said Drew Olson, head coach of the Bulldogs. “We weren’t in rhythm offensively, and that led to several easy buckets for them.”
Concordia put together a solid effort in the second half. Doane had just two fast break points in the second half of play, as the Bulldogs clamped down defensively. A balanced scoring attack and more solid free throw shooting down the stretch allowed Concordia to pull away for the convincing win.
For the game, Concordia connected on 26-of-61 shots for 42.6 percent. The Bulldogs were 5-of-15 from the three point line and 21-of-27 (77.8 percent) from the charity stripe. Concordia also held a commanding 51-30 rebounding advantage, and the Concordia bench outscored the Doane College bench 41-24 in the win.
Doane hit 20-of-58 shots in the contest for 34.5 percent. The Tigers were 4-of-16 from the three point line and 16-of-22 (72.7 percent) at the foul line.
Treva Nutter scored a team-high 19 points and added a game-high eight rebounds to lead the way for Concordia. Nutter also had three assists and three steals on the night. “Coach has been telling me all week in practice to focus on driving and kicking out if nothing is open,” said Nutter. “My teammates knocked down a lot of shots tonight. This is big to get a win in our home conference opener. Tonight wasn’t our best game, but it was a big win.”
Kristin Miller added 15 points and seven rebounds for Concordia, while Kathryn Ommen delivered 12 points and seven rebounds off the bench for the Bulldogs.
Hannah Helman scored a game-high 21 points for Doane. Cheryl Braithwait added 15 points, and Kristine Ortmeier had 13 points to go along with four rebounds, five assists and three steals for the Tigers.
“Our second half was much better,” commented Olson. “We’re going to have to play much better on the road, but we’re getting there. To win a game by 18 points in this conference is always good.”
Concordia travels to Dakota Wesleyan University on Dec. 5.