Scholz scores 20 to lead Falcons past Eagles

LISLE, Ill. – Mark Scholz continued his offensive outburst with a career-high-tying 20 points to lead Concordia University Wisconsin past Benedictine University, 82-72, on Saturday inside the Rice Center. The Falcons made 27 free throws and were balanced offensively with five players scoring in double-figures.

Scholz has found his touch since last Thursday and poured in his second-consecutive 20-point performance. The senior also made a career-high 12 free throws, which was part of the Falcons lopsided effort at the free throw line. CUW finished 27-of-32 at the charity stripe, while BU was 3-of-6.

The story of the game was the second half and the difference in free throw shooting and whistles. CUW made 20-of-23 free throws over the final 20 minutes and was called for eight fouls, while BU was 3-of-5 at the charity stripe and whistled for 15 fouls.

The Falcons were balanced scoring the basketball and junior Brett Boettcher (New Holstein, Wis.) recorded his third career double-double and first of the season with 12 points and 11 rebounds. He also drained three 3-pointers. CUW ended with 11 offensive rebounds and turned those second chance opportunities into 16 points.

CUW trailed the entire first half and almost five minutes into the second half before capping a 10-0 scoring run for its first lead of the game, 43-42, with 15:19 to play. BU got to within three points, 67-64, but the Falcons made 10-fo-12 free throws over the final minute and 33 seconds of the game.

Sophomore Eric Kittel (Brillion, Wis.) chipped in 16 points, assisted on six field goals and stole two passes. Junior Bradley Prinsen (Oostburg, Wis.) added 11 points and junior Keith Kahlfeldt (New Berlin, Wis.) had 10 points. Junior James Mitchell (St. Louis, Mo.) helped off the bench with a career-high seven points. Scholz (Greenfield, Wis.) also pulled down seven rebounds (two offensively) and his 12 free throws made were tied for the ninth most in a game in program history. The Falcons 27 free throws made were tied for the eighth most in a game in program history.

Tahron Harvey paced the Eagles with 15 points on 6-of-10 shooting in a reserve role, while Adam Reynolds had 13 points. Tim McGinty finished with nine points, seven rebounds, six assists, three blocks and a steal for BU (8-6, 6-3 NACC).

Reynolds drained a triple less than 30 seconds into the game and the Eagles led until 15:19 remaining in the game. During that stretch their lead reached 11 points and the game was tied just once. BU held a 36-29 advantage at halftime.

CUW returns to the court on Tuesday for the first of three games during the week at Marian University at 7 p.m.