Defensive pressure highlights Falcons victory over Wisconsin Lutheran

MILWAUKEE – Concordia University Wisconsin's defensive pressure rose to a new level on Thursday night, which resulted in a convincing 74-55 victory over Wisconsin Lutheran College. The Falcons forced four Warriors turnovers in as many minutes and ended with a season-high 24 turnovers and 17 steals.

CUW led by a point with just over 12 minutes to play in the opening half, before its defense rose to the occasion and caused five turnovers in the next six minutes. That effort led to a 12-2 scoring run, which included six points by Keith Kahlfeldt, and gave them control of the Northern Athletics Collegiate Conference matchup.

In the end, the Falcons scored a season-high 35 points off turnovers and also helped themselves by shooting a season-best 80.0 percent (16-of-20) at the free throw line. CUW's 17 steals was tied for the 10th most in a game in program history. They also held the Warriors to 36.4 percent (20-of-55) from the floor, which is the worst an opponent has shot against the Falcons this season.

Sophomore Eric Kittel (Brillion, Wis.) led all players with 17 points on 7-of-10 shooting, including three 3-pointers, to go along with three steals. Kahlfeldt (junior, New Berlin, Wis.) added 14 points and junior Bradley Prinsen (Oostburg, Wis.) tallied 11 points.

Junior Brett Boettcher (New Holstein, Wis.) was all over the floor and had five points, five rebounds, career-high four steals, two assists and two blocks. Junior Taron Edwards (Racine, Wis.) ended with four points and a career-high four rebounds and three steals. Senior Mark Scholz (Greenfield, Wis.) distributed a career-best four assists.

Kyle Stelse led the Warriors with 13 points, while adding five rebounds, three steals and two blocks. Jake Jarnigo and Christian Walz each had 10 points. In all, 10 different players had a turnover for WLC (4-6, 2-5 NACC).

The Falcons forced four turnovers in the first four minutes, but the Warriors played hard and trailed by just a point. The hosts took their last lead of the game on a DJ Escamilla layup at the 15:36 mark of the first half, but it wouldn't last long after Boettcher sank a jumper to give CUW a lead it wouldn't relinquish.

CUW's advantage increased to 17 points before the final horn sounded and the scoreboard read 36-19 in its favor at halftime. The Falcons bench also played well and outscored the Warriors 11-0 at the intermission.

Their lead quickly ballooned to 27 points less just over five minutes into the second half and reach a game-best 29 points after junior Malcolm Bowers (Germantown, Wis.) drained a jumper. CUW's lead dipped to 17 points, but it didn't matter because a total of 15 players saw action to help them to a win.

CUW completes a difficult week with its third game on Saturday at 4:15 p.m. against Aurora University, who was predicted to win the league in the league's preseason poll.