Jan, 7, 2012 - A 17-0 run by visiting Alverno College late in the first half was too much for the Concordia Cougars to overcome, and they lost 49-38 to the Inferno in Northern Athletics Conference women's basketball action this afternoon at Geiseman Gymnasium.
Both teams came into the game not having played in a week, and the first 10 minutes saw both offenses look to get in rhythm. April Broska (New Boston, MI/Lutheran South) hit a three to put the Cougars up 9-6. Alverno answered with a basket by Hannah Galstad (14 points), but Krystyna Rickett (Sandusky, MI/H.S.) came back moments later with a steal followed by a three-pointer. Concordia led 12-8 with 9:32 remaining in the half.
Rickett's three would be Concordia's final points of the half. The Cougars missed 12 consecutive shots and committed six turnovers, opening the door for the Inferno to go on their run. Alyssa Jensen's three at the 8:34 mark put Alverno on top for good, and Anna Boteva added a three to build on the visitors' momentum. Kristen Speerschneider ended the half with a fast break layup that gave the Inferno a 25-12 halftime lead.
The Cougars regrouped at the half and came out for the second half intent on making a challenge. Bobbie May (Sandusky, MI/H.S.) scored on two of the Cougars' first three possessions, and Rickett nailed another three to make it a 25-19 game. Galstad got Alverno going with three jumpers, but Concordia was able to keep pace. May then made good on a three-point play, bringing the Cougars within 31-26 with 12:49 still to play.
Five points was as close as Concordia would get. Speerschneider and Galstad helped Alverno get back to a double-digit lead, along with some tough inside play by Alicia Kontowski. Held to just two field goals, Kontowski still challenged Concordia's defenders inside. She got to the foul line 12 times in the game and hit on nine to provide a crucial 13 points off the bench for the Inferno.
Concordia managed just 15-65 (23 percent) from the field, 4-24 (17 percent) from three-point range and 4-6 (67 percent) from the line. By contrast, Alverno shot 18-48 (38 percent) overall, 2-13 (15 percent) from three-point range and 11-15 (73 percent) from the line. Rebounds were even at 42-42; Galstad and Kontowski each had seven for Alverno , and Rickett and Kassy Koehler (Belvidere, IL/Rockford Lutheran) each brought down seven for Concordia. Turnovers showed Alverno with 23, Concordia with 22.
The Cougars (4-8, 2-5 NAC) will look to bounce back on Tuesday night when they host Aurora University.
