Falcons' defense shines in NACC Tournament win

MEQUON, Wis. -- Olalekan George stole a pass with one minute and 40 seconds to play and threw down a dunk that sealed the deal for Concordia Wisconsin during a 68-63 NACC Tournament opening-round victory over Illinois Tech inside the R. John Buuck Field House. The Falcons held the Scarlet Hawks scoreless over the final seven minutes of the game.

No. 3-seeded Concordia Wisconsin travels to No. 2-seeded Wisconsin Lutheran on Thursday for a NACC Tournament semifinal game at 7 pm.

THE BASICS
Final Score: Concordia Wisconsin 68, Illinois Tech 63
Location: R. John Buuck Field House (Mequon, Wis.)
Records: Concordia Wisconsin 17-9, Illinois Tech 12-14

QUOTING OLALEKAN GEORGE


GEORGE'S GAME-WINNING DUNK


HOW IT HAPPENED
- The scoreboard was stuck at 63-63 since the six-minute mark before George made another highlight-reel play, this time stealing a pass in front of the student section. He took one dribble before emphatically throwing down a thunderous slam to erupt the crowd and give the Falcons a two-point lead with 1:36 to play in the game.
- Concordia Wisconsin then went into lockdown mode and forced three turnovers to end the game, while making three free throws of its own in the final 10 seconds to secure the victory.
- While George made the top-10 play, it was a collective effort by the Falcons as a defensive unit who didn't let the Scarlet Hawks score a point over the final seven minutes of the game. During that stretch, they limited Illinois Tech to 0-of-5 from the field and forced six turnovers.
- George (senior, Milwaukee, Wis.) paced the Falcons with 16 points, to go along with five rebounds and three steals. Freshman Grant Karsten (Decatur, Ill.) came off the bench and knocked down four big 3-pointers. Sophomore Brandon Keller (Plymouth, Wis.) added 11 points and four rebounds.
- Sophomore Jared Jurss (Sheboygan, Wis.) had an impressive performance with 10 assists and no turnovers, while also scoring eight points and grabbing five rebounds in all 40 minutes of action.
- Illinois Tech was led by Max Hisatake who had 19 points, 17 rebounds and five blocks.
- Concordia Wisconsin led for 28 minutes and 53 seconds in a game that featured seven lead changes and six scoring ties.

NEXT ON THE SCHEDULE
- No. 3-seeded Concordia Wisconsin travels to No. 2-seeded Wisconsin Lutheran on Thursday for a NACC Tournament semifinal game at 7 pm.