Falcon men handle MSOE challenge 74-61

MEQUON, Wis.-  On paper this contest looked like an extremely difficult challenge for Concordia Wisconsin as visiting MSOE brought a 9-4 record into the Buuck Fieldhouse Wednesday evening.

Truth be told, the Falcons were in control from the opening minutes as they improved their NAC North conference record to 5-1, one half game behind undefeated Lakeland (5-0).  MSOE's only leads were 1-0 and 4-2 before CUW's athleticism took over.

Shawn Cassidy's focused contingent grabbed a 42-28 halftime lead with tenacious defense plus an inside/out attack, and then coasted home after the break.

The closest MSOE got was 51-42 with twelve minutes left but CUW quickly regrouped and pulled away to leads of up to 22 points down the stretch.

Following their usual script, the Falcons got balanced scoring and superior bench play.  Mark Pace (Sr./ Milwaukee, Wis.) and reserve Mark Scholz (So./ Greenfield, Wis.) led the way with 12 points each, while Brian Jackson (Sr./ Carol Stream, Ill.) and reserve Keith Kahlfeldt (Fr./ New Berlin, Wis.) scored 10 each. 

CUW cagers picked a good time for their best perimeter performance of the season, connecting on nine of 15 from long range. 

The hard working Falcons controlled the boards 46-36 and allowed only one Raider player, Austin Stueck, to reach double figures.  MSOE fell to 3-2 in league play and 9-5 overall.

Concordia (8-5 overall) is back on the road Saturday for a 4:15pm date with a strong Aurora team.  The Spartans lead the NAC South with an impressive 5-0 record and are 10-4 overall.