Concordia Nebraska too strong for Women's Basketball at CIT

MEQUON, Wis. – Concordia University Nebraska used its size and strength inside to earn a 73-60 victory over Concordia University Wisconsin during the opening day of the Concordia Invitational Tournament.

The Bulldogs muscled their way to 42 points in the paint, compared to the Falcons 22 points around the basket. CUNE took the lead with 2:24 to play in the opening half and built its advantage to double-digits numerous times in the final 20 minutes of play.

CUW (15-2) made a quick charge in the second half with a 9-3 scoring run over three minutes to cut the deficit to a point, 45-44, with 14:36 remaining in the game. However, CUNE responded with a 14-5 scoring run of its own to take the first double-figure advantage of the non-conference contest.

Senior Katie Luethe (Oshkosh, Wis.) led the Falcons with 15 points and eight rebounds, while sophomore Madelyn Landgraf (Elkhart Lake, Wis.) and Tori Riechers (Cedarburg, Wis.) finished with 12 points apiece. Seniors Anna Butler (Kewaskum, Wis.) and Camille Parsons (Urbana, Ill.) each finished with four assists.

The Falcons shot just 50 percent (9-of-18) at the free throw line and finished with more turnovers than assists (17-11) for the third-consecutive game.

Becky Mueller led all players with 23 points on 8-of-15 shooting, including two 3-pointers, to go along with five rebounds and two blocks. Bailey Morris finished with 19 points, eight rebounds, three assists and a game-high three steals.

CUNE (17-5) shot 51.7 percent (30-of-58) from the field for the game, which included an impressive 57.1 percent (16-of-28) in the second half alone.

The first half featured three scoring ties and four lead changes, and featured a Bulldogs 8-0 scoring run to go ahead 34-26 with 56 seconds before halftime. They eventually took a 34-28 lead into the intermission, which included 20 points in the paint and 10 points from Mueller.

CUW's deficit stayed in the single digits as it played with CUNE, but inopportune turnovers proved to be too much to overcome down the stretch.

CUW will play Concordia University Chicago at 12 p.m. in the CIT women's consolation game. The game will be played as a non-conference contest.