Falcons finish NAC schedule undefeated

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Madison

Concordia withstood a strong challenge from second place Edgewood (12-4 in the NAC), but came away with an exciting 71-66 win to finish 16-0 in the NAC regualr season last evening.

This game was close for the final 30 minutes with CUW clinging to a 36-34 halftime lead after giving up an early 11 point cushion.

Edgewood took a 61-60 lead on a conventional 3 point play by Kent Faurote with 6:48 remaining in the contest but Concordia responded quickly via a Luke Doeden's 3 pointer and the Falcons were never headed again.

The host Eagles got within 66-64 at the 2:24 mark but Stark scored at :46 to make it a 4 point game and a trio of Falcon free throws in the closing seconds ended the suspense.

Seniors Skip Newton-Kemp (25 points) and Cory Stark (23) "played like senior leaders" according to head coach Shawn Cassidy in leading CUW offensively.

Concordia's undefeated regular season is the first in NAC history. The 21-3 Falcons are ranked second in the Region while Edgewood (16-8) came into this game ranked 5th.

Concordia's cross-over opponent and location for Saturday night (home vs. MSOE or away at Benedictine) remains undetermined because Benedictine and MSOE both won last evening. The top seeded Falcons will begin tourney play at home next Wednesday evening.