MEQUON, Wis. – Concordia University Wisconsin shot 60% in the first half in building a substantial lead and went on to defeat the Lakeland University men's basketball team 98-78 Saturday afternoon in a Northern Athletics Collegiate Conference game.
The Muskies fell in their only meeting with the Falcons this season and remain in wait-and-see mode in their hopes for a spot in the eight-team NACC Tournament. Lakeland (8-16 overall, 6-11 NACC) is one-half game behind Concordia University Chicago (6-10 NACC) in the standings in the battle for the eighth spot, with the teams slated to meet in their regular season finale this coming Saturday at the Moose & Dona Woltzen Gymnasium.
Concordia Wisconsin (13-11 overall, 11-6 NACC) led the whole way Saturday, needing just over seven minutes to build a double-digit lead and never letting the Muskies get closer. CUW built leads of 21-8 and 31-11 in the first 10 1/2 minutes, and took a 53-30 lead into halftime after making 21 of 35 shots from the field in the first 20 minutes. Lakeland struggled from the field early, shooting 33.3% (12 of 36) in the first half including 2 of 15 from three-point range.
The Falcons continued to build their lead early in the second half and took their largest lead when Alex Greene's three-pointer made it 69-42 with 14:01 left. Lakeland got as close as 14 late at 82-68 on a three-pointer by
Emmitt Konieczny (
So.-Marshfield, Wis.) with 5:24 left, but would get no closer.
Concordia's Logan Landers finished with 34 points, 18 rebounds and six assists, making 12 of 15 shots from the field and 10 of 11 free throws. Casey Verhagen also scored 23 points and added nine assists, and the Falcons finished shooting 54.5% (36 of 66).
Asanjai Hunter (
Sr.-Racine, Wis.) scored 23 points,
Peyton Mrotek (
Sr.-Luxemburg, Wis.) totaled 19 points plus 10 rebounds and Konieczny added 14 points, making four three-pointers. Lakeland warmed up to shoot 58.6% (17 of 29) in the second half, finishing at 44.6% (29 of 65) for the game.
The Muskies host Concordia Chicago Saturday at 3:15 p.m. for Senior Day at the Moose & Dona Woltzen Gymnasium.
