Falcons make FTs, use defense in final minutes to win season opener

RIVER FOREST, Ill. – Concordia Wisconsin held Dominican scoreless over the game's final two minutes and 54 seconds and then made four free throws in the final 24 seconds to secure a 54-48 victory to begin the season, which was also a NACC contest.

THE BASICS
Final Score: Concordia Wisconsin 54, Dominican 48
Location: Igini Sports Forum (River Forest, Ill.)
Records: Concordia Wisconsin 1-0, 1-0 NACC; Dominican 2-1, 0-1 NACC

QUOTING HEAD COACH STACEY BRUNNER-JONES
"We showed a lot of toughness and determination tonight. We are so young this season and to begin the year with a close game like that, which we pulled through and won, is so vital and beneficial. Our ability to stay focused in the final minutes with the game being so close will allow us to build confidence going forward."

HOW IT HAPPENED
- As has been the case for years under the direction of head coach Stacey Brunner-Jones, the Falcons defensive style of play was noticeable over the game's final two minute and 54 seconds. After the Stars made a jumper to tie the game at 48-48, they were held scoreless the rest of the way and went 0-for-9 down the stretch.
- Senior Baylee Barker (Oconomowoc, Wis.) made a layup with 1:27 to play, giving the visitors the go-ahead points. It was then junior Arianna Liddicoat (Watertown, Wis.) and sophomore Clara Chambers (Mineral Point, Wis.) who each made free throws when needed.
- Concordia Wisconsin held Dominican to just six points over the final 10 minutes of play on 3-of-21 shooting (14.3 percent).
- The Falcons were led by Chambers 16 points, which included four 3-pointers, while also pulling down nine rebounds. Senior Ashley Solberg (Waukesha, Wis.) had a career-high 13 points and grabbed six rebounds.
- Sophomore Emily Hafemann (Hales Corners, Wis.) tallied a career-best 12 points, while Barker ended with six points, six rebounds and four assists.
- Timiya Ray led the Stars with 12 points and 10 rebounds, and Alexis Hoskins recorded nine points and 10 rebounds.

GAME NOTES
- Neither team led by more than six points and the Falcons made 18-of-24 free throws. Dominican held a 20-10 advantage in second-chance points.

NEXT ON THE SCHEDULE
- Concordia Wisconsin continues its four-game road trip to begin the season with a contest at UW-Platteville on Saturday at 2 pm.