Dominican's speed shuts down CUW men's basketball 67-59

MEQUON, Wis.  Shawn Cassidy had warned his team about Dominican's athleticism , but seeing it LIVE on Saturday afternoon was something to behold.  The Stars created 1-1 opportunities with their team quickness against the taller Falcons and shut down CUW's inside game with classic help defense while scoring an impressive 67-59 win in the Buuck Fieldhouse Saturday afternoon.

Perhaps looking forward to a potential first place battle with Lakeland next Wednesday evening, the Falcons, now 7-3 in the NAC North, struggled from inside and out during a lackluster first half, finding themselves trailing 31-22 at the break.

Concordia came out strong after halftime, quickly getting within 36-34 during the first five minutes and in arrears by just four points at 43-39 with 12 minutes left. 

Rather than falling victim to fatigue, the Stars (who played just seven players) appeared to get their 'second wind' and went on an impressive 16-4 run over the next four minutes to assume command at 59-43.  DomU never let off the gas pedal until the Falcons rallied in the closing two minutes to get within the final eight point margin.

Sophomore Malcolm Bowers (Germantown, Wis.) led the Falcons with 15 and Brian Jackson (Sr./ Carol Stream, Ill.) added 14, but balanced Dominican had four players in double figures, three of whom scored 14 points.

The nimble Stars actually outrebounded CUW 33-31 and had a significant advantage at the free throw line where they connected on 14 of 18.  Concordia was 8 of 12 from the charity stripe.   CUW center Steve Zielinski was held to two points by DomU's swarming defense.

Concordia, 10-7 overall, will host Lakeland (16-3/ 9-1 NAC) on Wednesday at 7:00pm before heading off to the CIT.