Jan. 21, 2015 - While the first meeting this season between the Concordia-Chicago Cougars and Rockford Regents produced a high-octane barnburner with a combined 191 points, tonight's rematch at Geiseman Gymnasium saw the points harder to come by. A rocky start by the Cougars, who were missing four players tonight including two starters, allowed the Regents to build a commanding rally, and the visitors held off a second-half rally by CUC to win by a 69-59 score.
The visitors bolted to leads of 6-1 and 11-3 in the opening minutes as John O'Bryan and Ross Arteaga hit the first threes of the evening. The Cougars were unable to get on track as they missed a series of open shots and some second-chance opportunities, resulting in just five points in the first eight minutes.
Jacob Oakley (Sun Prairie, WI/H.S.) entered the game midway through the half and knocked in CUC's first two triples of the night. His second triggered a 7-0 run by the Cougars that pulled them to within 24-19. However, Rockford countered with a 9-0 run that gave them a 14-point lead. The Regents would close the half still up by that margin at 35-21. Rockford shot 14-34 (41 percent) for the half, but CUC managed just 9-42 for 21 percent. Rockford took its biggest lead of 20 early in the second half as their 6'8" center Zach Wallace ran off five straight points. CUC finally made its move after O'Bryan's three at the 9:14 mark made the score Regents 56, Cougars 39. Kylan Anderson (Chicago, IL/home schooled) hit a jumper to spark a 13-0 charge, and his three at the 5:02 mark completed the run and brought the Cougars within four at 56-52. O'Bryan and Anderson traded threes over the next minute, but Rockford pulled away over the final minutes. Trae Blumhorst's three-point play was the crucial play, and he also hit two free throws in the final minute to add one of the Regents' final daggers.
Rockford (4-13, 3-9 NACC) was led by O'Bryan's 18 points which included 4-8 shooting from the outside. Wallace recorded a double-double of 14 points, 10 rebounds while Blumhorst also achieved the feat with 11 points, 13 rebounds. Kenny Parks was also in double-figure scoring with 13 points.
For Concordia (5-12, 3-11 NACC), Anderson led the way with 16 points. Oakley and Mike Walmer (Orlando, FL/Orlando Christian) each scored 12 with Oakley's coming by way of four three-pointers. Justin Saar (Tracy, CA/Merrill F. West) provided help off the bench with seven rebounds and four assists. The Cougars return to action on Saturday afternoon at 4:15 when they host Concordia University Wisconsin.
