Falcons get defensive in victory over Warriors

MEQUON, Wis. – In the battle of the top two teams in the NACC, It was Concordia Wisconsin's strong defensive effort throughout the game that propelled them to a 55-39 victory over Wisconsin Lutheran inside the R. John Buuck Field House on Wednesday night.

THE BASICS
Final Score: Concordia Wisconsin 55, Wisconsin Lutheran 39
Location: R. John Buuck Field House (Mequon, Wis.)
Records: Concordia Wisconsin 11-2, 9-1 NACC; Wisconsin Lutheran 8-5, 8-1 NACC

QUOTING HEAD COACH STACEY BRUNNER-JONES

HOW IT HAPPENED
- The Flacons stingy lock-down defense held the Warriors to just seven points and 11.1 percent shooting in the first 20 minutes of the game. Their efforts led to a commanding 30-7 halftime lead.
- During halftime, Wisconsin Lutheran made adjustments and came out with a surging 21-6 scoring run during the third quarter to gain back the momentum in the game and energize the crowd. The Warriors cut their deficit to eight points with 10 minutes left in the NACC matchup.
- With the game teetering in the balance, it was Brianna Wagner's energy and defensive effort that gave the Falcons a boost they needed in the moment. While she didn't score in the fourth quarter, it was her four blocks and two steals that ended up being game-changing plays.
- Concordia Wisconsin's defense rose to the occasion in the final period and held Wisconsin Lutheran to just 3-of-12 shooting from the field, as they pushed their lead back to double-figures.
- Wagner (junior, Fond du Lac, Wis.) and senior Taylor Delong (Milwaukee, Wis.) led the Falcons with 11 points each, while sophomore Marciarae' Harmon (Milwaukee, Wis.) led the team with three assists and scored 10 points. Sophomore Baylee Barker (Oconomowoc, Wis.) also stole three passes.

BEYOND THE BOX SCORE
-The Falcons have now defeated the Warriors in four-straight regular season games.
- Wisconsin Lutheran entered the game as one of the top 3-point shooting teams in the NACC and was limited to a dismal 2-of-14 behind the arc.
- Concordia Wisconsin's bench tallied 18 points compared to Wisconsin Lutheran's reserves who had nothing.

THE OPPOSITION
- Jen Dowden led all players with 13 points while grabbing seven rebounds and dishing out two assists. Maddy Elrod chipped in 10 points and grabbed seven rebounds. Caitlin Knueppel also scored 11 points.

NEXT ON THE SCHEDULE
- The Falcons host Benedictine on Saturday at 2 pm inside the R. John Buuck Field House.