Bulldogs pick up 65-59 win over Sterling College

By Concordia University, Nebraska on Nov. 12, 2010 in Women's Basketball

Bulldogs pick up 65-59 win over Sterling College

 

Concordia University used a big second half to secure a 65-59 women’s basketball win over Sterling College on Friday evening in Seward.  The Bulldogs trailed by six at halftime but outscored Sterling College 36-24 in the second half.  Concordia improved to 3-1 on the season with the win.  Sterling dropped to 2-1 with the loss. 

The Bulldogs jumped out to an early lead in the opening minutes of the first half, but Sterling College was able to close the gap.  The Lady Warriors closed the first half on a 6-0 run to take a 35-29 lead into the halftime break. 

Both teams struggled offensively in the opening 20 minutes.  Sterling was just 12-of-34 (35.3 percent) from the floor, while Concordia was 9-of-27 (33.3 percent).  The teams did combine to go 15-of-17 at the foul line in the opening half of play.

Concordia reclaimed the lead within the first two minutes of the second half.  The Bulldogs led by as many as 11, but Sterling again had an answer.  The Lady Warriors tied the game at 53-53 with 5:42 remaining in the contest, but Concordia took the lead for good on the next possession.  Kat Ommen (Jefferson City, Mo.) scored in the paint to put the Bulldogs on top 55-53. 

Following a made free throw by Sterling, Ommen delivered a clutch 3-pointer to push the Bulldog lead to four at 58-54.  The Lady Warriors trimmed the lead back to two with a pair of made free throws, but Concordia’s Beth Kohmetscher (Deweese, Neb.) scored to make the score 60-56.  Another pair of free throws pulled Sterling within two once again, but Treva Nutter hit a huge 3-pointer with just under a minute remaining to give Concordia a 63-58 lead.  Amber Kistler (Minatare, Neb.) added a layup late for the Bulldogs, and Concordia secured the 65-59 win. 

“I can’t say enough about how our girls are coming together as a team,” commented Drew Olson, head coach of the Bulldogs.  “This is a good team we played tonight.  We found ways to rebound after giving up eight offensive boards in the first half, and our team just played together.”

Concordia finished 22-of-56 (39.3 percent) from the field overall.  The Bulldogs were 6-of-18 (33.3 percent) from deep and 15-of-19 (78.9 percent) from the foul line.  The Bulldogs also held a slim 40-38 rebounding advantage on the night. 

Several players scored in double figures in the Concordia win.  Ommen scored 11 points to go along with seven rebounds and a game-high five assists, while Lori Laboda (Parker, Colo.) also scored 11.  Kistler and Treva Nutter (Thedford, Neb.) poured in 10 points apiece.  Kristin Miller (Jefferson City, Mo.) scored nine points and grabbed a game-high nine rebounds for the Bulldogs.   

The Concordia defense was solid once again, as Sterling connected on just 18-of-57 shots on the night for 31.6 percent.  The Lady Warriors were 4-of-15 (26.7 percent) from three point land and 19-of-24 (79.2 percent) at the foul line.  Megan Patrick had 24 points for Sterling in the loss.   

Nine players scored for Concordia in the win, a luxury Coach Olson is excited about.  “Everyone comes in, plays hard and does their job,” remarked Olson.  “Tonight, we were able to go on a run with our bench, and that was huge.” 

Concordia takes on Kansas Wesleyan on Saturday.  Tip is scheduled for 2 pm at the Health, Human Performance and Athletic Center.