Concordia rally not enough in 78-75 loss to Kansas Wesleyan

Kansas Wesleyan defeated Concordia by the score of 78-75 on Saturday afternoon in Seward.  The Bulldogs fought back from a 15-point halftime deficit, but the rally fell short.  KWU improved to 4-0 on the season with the win.  Concordia slipped to 3-2 on the year with the loss. 

In the first half, the Coyotes used an 8-0 run to take a 22-11 lead with just over 10 minutes remaining in the half.  Kansas Wesleyan led by as many as 16 in the first half and settled for a 44-29 halftime lead. 

Concordia was just 10-of-31 (32.3 percent) from the field overall and 5-of-17 (29.4 percent) from three point land in the opening half.  Turnovers were also a problem in the first half, as Concordia turned it over 11 times as the Coyotes built their lead. 

The Bulldogs chipped away at the KWU lead early and often in the second half, but the Coyotes continued to have answers.  With less than four minutes remaining in the game, Concordia made a final push to get back in the game.  Trailing 76-67, the Bulldogs used an 8-0 run to pull within a point at 76-75. 

Concordia had chances to tie or take the lead in the final minute.  The Bulldogs missed a jumper on one possession and followed that with a turnover on the next possession.  KWU added two free throws, and the Bulldogs turned the ball over before they had a chance to try for the tie.  The Coyotes held on for the 78-75 victory. 

Following a tough first half, Concordia was 14-of-28 (50 percent) from the field in the second half.  The Bulldogs outscored the Coyotes 46-34 in the final 20 minutes, but the rally fell just short.  Concordia was 20-of-25 (80 percent) at the foul line but just 7-of-23 (30.4 percent) from deep.  The Bulldogs finished with 21 turnovers in the game. 

Amber Kistler (Minatare, Neb.) had a big game to lead Concordia in a losing effort.  Kistler scored 26 points and added 13 rebounds.  She was 6-of-13 from the field and 13-of-15 at the foul line.  Treva Nutter (Thedford, Neb.) delivered 14 points, and Kat Ommen (Jefferson City, Mo.) added 10 for the Bulldogs. 

Kansas Wesleyan finished 20-of-58 (34.5 percent) from the field.  The Coyotes were just 10-of-33 from long range for 30.3 percent.  However, KWU had a strong night at the foul line.  The Coyotes finished 28-of-32 (87.5 percent) at the charity stripe.  The KWU defense totaled 13 steals in the game. 

LaCole Wilkinson had a game-high 27 points and also added five assists to lead Kansas Wesleyan.  Wilkinson was 6-of-12 from the field and 12-of-14 at the foul line.  Montric Santee added 14 points, and Shelby Babcock added 11 for the Coyotes. 

In the final game of the tournament on the women’s side, Sterling College picked up a 79-63 win over Doane College.  Following the Sterling win, the Cattle Classic All-Tournament Team was announced.  Brittany Lurz (Doane College), LaCole Wilkinson (Kansas Wesleyan), Britany Gasper (Sterling College), Megan Patrick (Sterling College) and Amber Kistler (Concordia University) were selected to the team.