Second half surge gives Women's Basketball home win over Lakeland

MEQUON, Wis. – Concordia University Wisconsin ran away with Tuesday night's Northern Athletics Collegiate Conference showdown with a 38-17 scoring run in the second half to defeat Lakeland College, 76-57, inside the R. John Buuck Field House.

CUW blew the game wide open with an eye-popping 68 percent (17-of-25) from the field during the second half after leading by just two points, 30-28, at halftime. It appeared as if it was going to be a typical battle between the two conference foes, before the Falcons went 8-of-14 during the opening seven minutes and 14 seconds of the second half.

What happened next was impressive, as CUW didn't miss a field goal attempt for 13 minutes and 17 seconds en route to building a 20-plus point lead. Its 56.0 percent (28-of-50) shooting for the game was a season-best and it was the third time this season they were above 50 percent.

"This was a crucial win for us tonight," head coach Stacey Brunner-Jones said. "We needed to respond from last week's devastating loss against Wisconsin Lutheran and we did that tonight. We have to continue to play hard on both ends of the court and communicate if we hope to stay in the win column every time we play."

The Falcons outrebounded the Muskies 40-26 and held a 40-26 advantage in points in the paint, as well as a 12-0 difference in fast break points. The opening half was close, as there were six scoring ties and two lead changes, but the final 20 minutes were controlled by CUW in all facets of the game.

"I am proud of our rebounding effort on both ends of the court," Brunner-Jones said. "Getting second chance opportunities and every loose ball will definitely be factors over the next two weeks, as we prepare for the NACC Tournament."

Sophomore Madelyn Landgraf (Elkhart Lake, Wis.) tied a career-high with 20 points on 8-of-12 shooting, to go along with three assists and three steals. Senior Katie Luethe (Oshkosh, Wis.) finished with 19 points and seven rebounds, while senior Anna Butler (Kewaskum, Wis.) ended with 12 points, five rebounds, three assists and three steals.

Sophomore Megan Coenen (Green Bay, Wis.) added 10 points, four rebounds and a career-best two blocks. Freshman Jessica House (Oneida, Wis.) grabbed a career-best six rebounds, while freshman Tori Riechers (Cedarburg, Wis.) had six points and five rebounds.

The Muskies (8-12, 5-10 NACC) were led by Leah Eisner's double-double, 21 points and 12 rebounds. She became the 10th player to score 1,000 career points in Lakeland history with a layup with three minutes to play in the game.

Trista Barron and Gaby Cappaert each had eight points for the Muskies.

CUW plays its second of two games this week on Thursday at Aurora University with tipoff scheduled for 7 p.m.