Second-Half Surge Lets Marian Topple Cougar Men

Feb. 15, 2014 - The Concordia-Chicago men's basketball team ran up against a tough challenge this afternoon. They hosted the current Northern Athletics Collegiate Conference leaders, the Sabres of Marian University. The Cougars battled the Sabres through a hard-fought first half, but a key sequence at the start of the second half lifted the visitors to an 81-64 victory.

The Cougars had the better of play in the early portion of the game. Tied 8-8, Marcus Elston (Chicago, IL/Benito Juarez) and Mike Walmer (Orlando, FL/Orlando Christian) worked inside for layups. After a Marian basket, Nat Pearson (Palatine, IL/H.S.) made good on a three from the top of the key for a 15-10 lead.

Marian stayed close and then took the lead 26-25 at the six-minute mark on Drew Binversie's three. Jeff Harris added a three moments later, and the Sabres ended the half with a 35-29 lead.

The first eight minutes of the second half were to be the difference in the game. Marian outscored CUC 21-4 as Alex Stecker, Binversie and Sam Koslowski (twice) connected from the outside. The Cougars ended the run as Elston and Brandon Stinson (Schiller Park, IL/East Leyden) made good on three-point plays, but the home team would draw no closer than 17 the rest of the way.

Stinson recorded a double-double of 20 points and 10 rebounds to lead the Cougars. Elston chipped in with his 14th double-double of the season, 17 points and 14 rebounds with the latter lifting his conference-leading average to 10.9 rebounds per game.

Marian was led by Koslowski and Josh Creed with 14 points each while Cody Veleke added 10 points, seven rebounds and five blocks.

The Cougars will return to action Sunday afternoon when they host Lakeland College.

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Players Mentioned

#1 Marcus Elston: F; 6' 4"; Senior

#4 Brandon Stinson: G/F; 6' 3"; Junior

#5 Nat Pearson: F; 6' 3"; Junior

#13 Mike Walmer: G; 6' 0"; Freshman

Players Mentioned

#1 Marcus Elston
: 6' 4"; Senior
: F

#4 Brandon Stinson
: 6' 3"; Junior
: G/F

#5 Nat Pearson
: 6' 3"; Junior
: F

#13 Mike Walmer
: 6' 0"; Freshman
: G