Falcons lock down Spartans during important victory

MEQUON, Wis. – In a game that could have been high scoring, it was Concordia Wisconsin's defense that made headline plays to shutdown Aurora during an important 73-57 NACC victory inside the R. John Buuck Field House.

THE BASICS
Final Score: Concordia Wisconsin 73, Aurora 57
Location: R. John Buuck Field House (Mequon, Wis.)
Records: Concordia Wisconsin 10-4, 9-2 NACC; Aurora 6-8, 6-4 NACC

HOW IT HAPPENED
- Aurora entered with the best offense in the league, but that didn't matter to Concordia Wisconsin as its game plan was to communicate on defense and work together on every possession. That game plan worked to perfection, especially during the second quarter when the Falcons outscored the Spartans by a 21-10 margin.
- The hosts trailed by five after the first quarter and quickly went on a 15-5 scoring run over a five-minute span to begin the second quarter and take control of the matchup. The lead hovered around the double-figure mark the rest of the way until the final horn.
- The Falcons shot 45.0 percent in the contest and held the Spartans to 33.3 percent. In addition, they scored 27 points off 19 Aurora turnovers, to go along with a 40-28 advantage in points in the paint.
- Concordia Wisconsin also had 10 steals and 17 assists in the victory.
- Sophomore Emily Hafemann (Hales Corners, Wis.) had a career-high-tying 17 points on 7-of-13 shooting (three 3-pointers), to go along with seven assists, six rebounds and three steals.
- Senior Baylee Barker (Oconomowoc, Wis.) had 16 points and junior Arianna Liddicoat (Watertown, Wis.) ended with 14 points, seven rebounds and three assists.
- Mejia Rabi had an outstanding game with 25 points, 15 rebounds, two steals and two steals for the Spartans.

GAME NOTES
- Concordia Wisconsin's defense held Aurora to just three 3-pointers made, which is the second fewest in a game this season, and their 33.3 percent from the field is the second lowest percentage of the season. As well, the visitors had seven assists (ties a season low).
- The Falcons have won six games in a row dating back to December 29 and each has been by at least 1 points.

NEXT ON THE SCHEDULE
- Concordia Wisconsin hosts Illinois Tech on Wednesday at 7 pm inside the R. John Buuck Field House during a NACC contest.