Falcons Prevail Over Raiders in NACC Opener

MEQUON, Wis – The CUW men's basketball prevailed in their thrilling conference opener game against the Raiders of MSOE to snag their first win of the season, 80-73.

The first half was a scrappy display of basketball, as MSOE built the early 17-12 lead near the halfway point of the half.

Freshman Mekhi Sutton (San Diego, Calif.) got on the board early to cut the Raiders' lead to three with a made tip-in.

However, MSOE would respond and establish an eight-point lead with 3:35 remaining in the half.

But the Falcons would claw their way back and cut the lead to just two points with 38 seconds to go as junior Jonah Jurss (Sheboygan, Wis.) knocked down back-to-back triples.

Out of the break, MSOE jumped to a seven-point lead, going up 41-34 with 16:05 remaining in the game.

Once again, the Falcons responded, this time with a 5-0 run of their own, following a layup from senior Freeman Jackson (Green Bay, Wis.) along with a layup and a made free throw by senior Samuel Meerstein (Green Bay, Wis.) to shrink MSOE's led to just two points.

Later in the half, with 13:23 remaining, an offensive rebound putback by senior Gabe Pruss (North Fon du Lac, Wis.) would knot the game at 44.

But MSOE would retake a three-point lead just minutes later.

After a series of substitutions from CUW, the Blue and White took their first lead of the half as their defensive pressure increased, and as Samuel Meerstein scored back-to-buckets to give the Falcons the 50-49 lead. 

Later, with the game tied at 54, Samuel Meerstein retook the lead for the Falcons, converting the three-point play.

On the next Raider possession, CUW junior Adam Bruins (Oak Creek, Wis.) blocked a Raider shot attempt, leading to a layup for sophomore Jack Fritz (Columbus, Wis.) down on the other end of the floor for CUW to secure a five-point lead.

CUW's lead grew to seven with 6:06 remaining as Samuel Meerstein found Jack Fritz near the basket for the easy two points, forcing an MSOE timeout.

Determined to pick up a win, the Raiders clawed their way back to cut CUW's lead to just three with 3:49 remaining.

But CUW stopped the Raider comeback from happening, as Samuel Meerstein and Freeman Jackson continued their excellent play, as both seniors scored baskets to put CUW up eight with 1:44 left in the second half.

The Falcons' defense remained strong throughout the remainder of the game, and the Falcons were able to hit their free throws down the stretch to take the 80-73 victory.

Freeman Jackson led the flock with 25 points on 9-of-13 shooting, while Samuel Meerstein secured another double-double, scoring 24 and snagging 10 rebounds.

The Falcons had Jonah Jurss, Jack Fritz, and junior Zach Leahy (West Dundee, Ill.), who all contributed six points off the bench.

Defensively, Gabe Pruss totaled three blocks and one steal.

With the win, Shawn Cassidy earned his 250th win as the head coach of the Concordia University Wisconsin men's basketball program.

Cassidy said of his accomplishment, "It's great to see so many alums and friends of the program in the stands since 250 is about them and all they have done for me and this program. I'm also appreciative of all the coaches that have joined me along the way."

The Falcons will look ahead from here when they hit the road to take the Spartans of Aurora on Saturday, Dec. 2nd, with tip-off slated for 2 p.m.