Eureka Turns Tide, Turns Away Cougars

Nov. 24, 2012 - A 25-10 swing by host Eureka College late in the first half negated a strong start by Concordia-Chicago's women's basketball team in non-conference action this afternoon. The Red Devils built a 13-point lead at the half and continued on to a 71-50 victory, dropping the Cougars to 0-4 on the season.

Putbacks by Kassy Koehler (Belvidere, IL/Rockford Lutheran) and Jessica Genke (Kiel, WI/H.S.) and a jumper by Dazmine Chaney (Aurora, IL/West Aurora) helped the Cougars to a 6-0 lead, but CUC's defense was the story in the early going. They forced Eureka into six straight missed shots over the first four minutes before a pair of free throws finally put the home team on the board.

The Red Devils eventually found their shooting legs from behind the arc, and a trio of long ones gave the hosts their first lead at 17-15. April Broska (New Boston, MI/Lutheran South) got that right back with a three from the top of the key, but Eureka did not waver in their three-point attack. The Red Devils hit 5-7 on threes after missing their first four of the game, and they took their largest lead at 31-21 with four minutes remaining in the half.

Broska looked to keep the Cougars close with a couple of driving layups, but Eureka countered with a couple of jumpers and a three by Amanda Schreck to end the half with a 38-25 lead.

Eureka shot over 50 percent from the field after their 0-6 start, but their 6-13 accuracy (.462) from long range was the big story of the half. Concordia shot 5-10 in the opening minutes of the game but finished the half 10-34 overall (.294). The Red Devils also held a 25-19 edge on the boards with Kelsey Shoemake pulling down eight. Genke led Concordia with six rebounds, four on the offensive end.

In the second half, Concordia was able to slow down Eureka's production from the field. However, the Red Devils attacked inside and got to the line from where they hit their first eight free throws. Meanwhile, the Cougars continued cold from the field in missing 15 of their first 22. Trailing 53-39, Rickett's layup got the Cougars within 12, but an 8-0 run by the hosts effectively sealed the deal.

Genke led the Cougars with 12 points and 10 rebounds while Broska was next in line with 11 points, five rebounds, four assists and three steals. Rickett added nine points and seven rebounds. Concordia shot 31 percent on 21-67 shooting but managed just 3-18 (.167) from behind the arc and 5-14 (.357) at the line.

Kelsey Shoemake led Eureka (2-0) with 18 points (6-8 FG, 6-2 FT) and 14 rebounds. Emily Camden was next with 16 points, followed by Caty Eeten with 14 and Jaylynn Stewart with 13. The Red Devils shot 40 percent from the field on 25-63 including 7-21 (.333) from outside and hit 14 of 17 free throws for 82 percent. Eureka also finished with 51 boards to Concordia's 40.

The Cougars will begin Northern Athletics Conference play Wednesday night when they welcome Benedictine University to Geiseman Gymnasium.