Feb. 7, 2015 - The Concordia-Chicago men's basketball team faced an important challenge this afternoon as they traveled to Milwaukee to take on the Wisconsin Lutheran College Warriors. Entering play today, the Warriors were one of two teams standing between the Cougars and a berth in the conference tournament. Unfortunately, the Warriors increased their lead over the Cougars with a 68-55 victory and a sweep in the season series.
Concordia-Chicago came out strong and took an early 13-10 lead as Kylan Anderson (Chicago, IL/home schooled) singed the nets for three three-pointers. However, the Cougars' shooting would go ice-cold from that point forward, and the Warriors would capitalize with a 21-4 run. Wisconsin Lutheran's D.J. Escamilla would take over with the hot hand as he connected on all four of his attempts from long range. The Warriors as a whole would shoot 55 percent on 18 of 33 in the half and take a 40-23 lead after 20 minutes. The Cougars made a couple attempts at a comeback in the second half but were rebuffed both times. Opening the second half with buckets by Mike Walmer (Orlando, FL/Orlando Christian) and Patrick Phillip (Kissimmee, FL/Osceola), a defensive stop gave CUC an opportunity to get within 11. But a missed shot and a three-point play in transition put the Warriors back up by 16; they would stretch their lead to 20 shortly afterwards. Trailing 59-40 with seven minutes left, Anderson hit his fourth three of the game and followed it with a short jumper. Kyle Hoffman (Manitowoc, WI/Lincoln) then scored on a putback to put the Cougars within 12. But Jake Jarnigo answered by hitting a tough jumper from the left side, and the Warriors were able to trade baskets with the Cougars over the next several minutes until time finally ran out on the Cougars. Wisconsin Lutheran (11-11, 7-10 NACC) finished with 20 if 64 shooting for 44 percent including 4-12 from three-point range and 8-15 at the free throw line. They outrebounded CUC 45-34 behind 10 boards each from Nate Siemers and Brett Lubbe. The Warriors were led in scoring by Kyle Stelse with 17 points and D.J. Escamilla with 16.
Concordia-Chicago (6-16, 4-13 NACC) shot 17-53 for 32 percent including 5-24 from three-point range and 16-20 at the free throw line. The Cougars were led by Anderson's 15 points including 4-10 three-point shooting while Walmer finished with 10 points. Rebounding leaders were Walmer with seven and Brandon Stinson (Schiller Park, IL/East Leyden) with six. Stinson also finished with five assists. The Cougars will host Aurora University on Tuesday night at 7:00.
