Falcons shine at FT line in road win over Raiders

MILWAUKEE, Wis. – Concordia University Wisconsin was sparkling at the free throw line making 19-of-20 attempts during an impressive 58-55 victory at MSOE. The win was important because both teams were tied for first place in the Northern Athletics Collegiate Conference standings.

THE BASICS
Final Score: Concordia Wisconsin 58, MSOE 55
Location: Kern Center (Milwaukee, Wis.)
Records: Concordia Wisconsin 14-3 (11-2 NACC), MSOE 12-6 (10-3 NACC)

HOW IT HAPPENED
- The Falcons started off slow, shooting just 23 percent in the first half, but played better in the second half for the important Northern Athletics Collegiate Conference road victory. They made all 12 of their free throws during the final two quarters and held MSOE to 3-of-12 from downtown.
- CUW found itself down by 15 points with just under three minutes to play in the second quarter, but then went on an 11-2 scoring run to get within six points after five minutes of game time. After trailing by single digits for the third period and much of the fourth quarter, it was the Falcons free throw shooting abilities that made the different.
- Sophomore Audrey Scharmer (Winona, Minn.) made a layup with 1:15 to play, which put the Falcons in front by three points. Nearly a minute later and after a MSOE layup, senior Madelyn Landgraf (Elkhart Lake, Wis.) drained a pair of free throws with 18 seconds to play and seal the win.
- Freshman Baylee Barker (Oconomowoc, Wis.) scored a season-high-tying 13 points on 5-of-12 shooting, including three 3-pointers. She also pulled down a season-best three rebounds.
- Landgraf and junior Samantha Blissett (Springfield, Ill.) each had 10 points. Landgraf also recorded three rebounds and three assists, and was 6-of-6 at the free throw line. Blissett ended with six rebounds and three steals, and was 8-of-8 (career best) at the free throw line.
- Scharmer recorded four points, five rebounds and three assists. Sophomore Brianna Wagner (Fond du Lac, Wis.) had six points and nine rebounds off the bench.

BEYOND THE BOX SCORE
- With the victory, CUW is now in a two-way tie for first place in the NACC standings with Wisconsin Lutheran.
- After missing its first free throw of the game, the Falcons went on to make 19-consecutive attempts to finish with a dazzling percentage of 95 percent (season high). Their 95 percent at the free throw line was the fourth best percentage in a game in program history.
- The Falcons were whistled for a season-low 10 fouls, while the Raiders were called for 22 fouls.
- Blissett's 8-of-8 at the free throw line was tied for the fourth most makes at the charity stripe without missing in a single game in program history.

THE OPPOSITION
- Holly Denfeld led all players with 23 points and 15 rebounds, to go along with two blocks, two steals and an assist.
- Lizzy Hilby added 14 points, grabbed seven rebounds and assisted on four field goals in 31 minutes off the bench.

NEXT ON THE SCHEDULE
- The Falcons will travel to River Forest, Ill., for the two-day, two-game Concordia Invitational Tournament. They will compete against host Concordia University Chicago on Friday at 6 pm. Saturday's opponent is to be determined.