Offensive outburst helps Women's Basketball to win over Rockford

MEQUON, Wis. – Megan Coenen and Madelyn Landgraf led Concordia University Wisconsin offensively in the second half during a difficult 65-56 victory over Rockford University on Saturday afternoon inside the R. John Buuck Field House. The Falcons shot 50 percent in the second half and extended their winning streak over the Regents to 15 games.

RU used a 10-2 scoring run during a three mintue and 48 second stretch to tie the game at halftime and then led by a field goal with 11:28 to play in the game. CUW's offense came alive from then on and shot a blistering 68.8 percent (11-of-16) down the stretch to take control of the Northern Athletics Collegiate Conference game.

"It wasn't pretty, but it was a win," head coach Stacey Brunner-Jones stated. "The first game back after Christmas break is always interesting and Rockford played well. Maddie shot well and controlled the game for us."

Prior to torching the nets, the Falcons were struggling from the field (37.2 percent), but stuck with the game plan. They finished with 38 points in the paint and 19 second chance points off 14 offensive rebounds. CUW's inside presence also altered the game with a season-high-tying six blocks.

Junior Madelyn Landgraf (Elkhart Lake, Wis.) led all players with 20 points on 7-of-14 shooting, including three 3-pointers, while junior Megan Coenen (Green Bay, Wis.) had 17 points on 8-of-10 shooting. Freshman Brianna Wagner (Fond du Lac, Wis.) had a stellar game off the bench and recorded her second double-double with 10 points and a career-high 11 rebounds (six offensive), to go along with two assists, career-high two steals and two blocks.

"Brianna had some great offensive rebounds in the second half and is going to be a special player for us," Brunner-Jones said.

Sophomore Sammi Blissett (Springfield, Ill.) also harassed the Regents guards to the tune of a career-best four steals. Sophomore Taylor DeLong (Milwaukee, Wis.) also stole a pair of passes, while freshman Audrey Scharmer (Winona, Minn.) rejected a pair of shots and had eight rebounds.

Diamond Williams paced the Regents with 14 points and six rebounds, and Callie Rezin added 13 points off the bench. Amanda Davis chipped eight eight points and Tajanae Key grabbed seven rebounds and stole three passes.

There were three scoring ties and four lead changes in the contest, and CUW held the largest lead of nine points three times in the first half. The Regents' Rezin nailed a 3-pointer just before the halftime buzzer to knot the scoreboard at 27-27.

As the Falcons struggled from the field, RU continued to hold a slim advantage nearly halfway through the second half, as they played for their third victory over the season. CUW overpowered RU over the last 11:28 with its height and depth.

The victory moved the Falcons into third place in the NACC standings.

CUW returns to action on Tuesday with a 7 p.m. NACC game against Concordia University Chicago inside the R. John Buuck Field House.