Jan. 23, 2016 - The Concordia-Chicago men's basketball team traveled to Sheboygan, WI today for a rematch with Lakeland College. The Muskies had won the Dec. 15 match in River Forest with their inside scoring. This afternoon, however, it was the three-point shooting that controlled the game as the Cougars lost by a final score of 97-64.
The Cougars fell behind 7-1 but came back behind baskets by DeAires Blackwell (Chicago, IL/St. Rita) and Kyle Hoffman (Manitowoc, WI/Lincoln). However, the Cougars would go the next seven minutes with just one field goal. Meanwhile, the Muskies heated up from behind the three-point arc and took a 21-9 lead. Adam Castro (Chicago, IL/Guerin Prep) knocked down a three just past the 10-minute mark. Blackwell then knocked down two free throws and scored on a putback, but the Muskies heated up again and extended their lead back out to double digits. Lakeland led by as much as 18, but Castro swished a three from about 60 feet awat to end the half and pull the Cougars within 47-32. Lakeland shot 52 percent for the half, 50- percent (8-16) from outside while CUC was limited to 30 percent overall, 18 percent (3-19) from long range.
Blackwell began the second half with a three-point play, and
Mitch Pelissier (Puyallup. WA/Mount Rainier Lutheran) then stole the ball and drove in to score his first points of the game as Concordia-Chicago quickly pulled within 10. However, a pair of threes and a lane jumper helped Lakeland answer with an 8-0 run to push the lead back up to 18. The Cougars were unable to get on track for the rest of the half, although Pelissier managed a 10-point half. CUC made just one three-pointer the rest of the evening, and the Muskies were able to complete the lopsided victory.
Walmer finished with a game-high 20 points while Blackwell added 12 points and six rebounds. (Lakeland 11-7 7-6 NACC) was led by Kyle Domark's 18 points and Brandon James' 16. The Muskies shot 31-63 (49 percent overall) including an impressive 13-31 (42 percent) from three-point range.
Concordia-Chicago (4-12, 4-9 NACC) will return home to host Aurora University on Tuesday night at 7 p.m.
