Brunner-Jones wins 200th game, Falcons edge Muskies

MEQUON, Wis. – It wasn't the prettiest victory, but it was an important one because head coach Stacey Brunner-Jones won her 200th game at Concordia University Wisconsin and the Falcons edged Lakeland College, 62-54, inside the R. John Buuck Field House on Tuesday night.

Brunner-Jones, the winningest coach in program history, enjoyed the milestone even more because the victory also clinched a berth in the Northern Athletics Collegiate Conference Tournament for CUW. The Falcons have won at least 16 games for 10-consecutive seasons under her direction and advanced to the conference tournament in all 11 of her seasons as leader.

"I am very proud to represent CUW and what the University stands for," Brunner-Jones said with joy. "I am honored to be the head coach of this year's teams and the 10 teams in the years prior. 200 wins is a great milestone to be a part of and to share with those in attendance tonight. It means so much to me to have the loyal fans, alumni, President Ferry and administration there to support me."

On the court, the first seven minutes and 39 seconds of the game were difficult because of a combined 17 turnovers and just 14 points scored. Neither team could find a rhythm, until the Falcons went on a quick 7-0 scoring run over the final two minutes of the first half to take some control of the unpleasant contest. Freshman Katelyn Sewall (Menasha, Wis.) drained a 3-pointer with just under eight seconds before the intermission.

CUW started to play its style of basketball in the second half and increased its lead into double-digits, 50-39, with 9:52 to play in the game. Factors in the second half that led to the Falcons taking over were the Muskies inability to make a 3-pointer, compiled by 15 fouls. CUW wasn't perfect, but did make 10-of-19 free throws over the second half to pull away.

Overall, it was the Falcons bench that made an impact in the NACC contest. Freshman Brianna Wagner (Fond du Lac, Wis.) controlled the paint at times and finished with her fifth double-double of the season, 11 points and 13 rebounds, to go along with four assists and a career-high six blocks (second most ever in a game in program history). Sewall added 11 points off the bench, including a pair of critical 3-pointers in the first half.

Junior Madelyn Landgraf (Elkhart Lake, Wis.) tallied 15 points, while freshman Audrey Scharmer (Winona, Minn.) had 10 points and five rebounds. Freshman Corrina Terrano (Phoenix, Ariz.) added five points, two rebounds and three steals.

Bailey Grayvold paced the Muskies with 15 points, three rebounds, two assists and two steals. Rachel Stankevich finished with a double-double, 12 points and 12 rebounds, to go along with two blocks and four steals in 23 minutes before fouling out.

The Falcons held the Muskies to 33.3 percent shooting, including 4-of-17 from downtown. On the other hand, CUW was impressive the second half, making 57.9 percent (11-of-19) of its attempts.

CUW returns to action on Saturday at 2 pm at Dominican University.