Rockford, Ill.- Concordia-Chicago took the floor this afternoon against Rockford University who is sitting atop of the Northern Athletics Collegiate Conference.  The Cougars came into today's game looking to get their first NACC win of the year, while the Regents looked to remain undefeated in conference play.  The Cougars couldn't overcome poor shooting and turnovers, which led to multiple double digit runs for the Regents in their 89-79 win.

Mitch Pelissier led the Cougars with 23 points (9-22) and seven rebounds, followed by Henry Woo Jr. finished with 11 points (4-11) and four assists.  

It was a slow start for both teams as neither team could buy a bucket.  A Jarek Hotwagner three from the right wing gave the Cougars a 5-4 lead.  However, Rockford quickly gained the momentum back with a 13-0 run to take a 17-5 lead led by Trae Blumhorst who was 3-3 from the field for a total of nine points. Concordia-Chicago responded with their own 14-0 run highlighted by threes from Sawyer Concklin and Neil O'Donnell to give CUC a 19-17 lead midway through the 1st half.  After much back and forth, a Jonathan Wilson and one off an offensive rebound gave the Cougars a 27-25 lead.  The turnovers started to rack up for the Cougars.  The Regents capitalized on those turnovers to close out the half on a 10-0 run and lead 40-31 heading into halftime.  

The second half started much better for the Cougars. Pelissier started to take over with seven quick points to get CUC back within six.  The Regents again responded with another run as the Cougars couldn't stop them in the post with multiple and ones to extend their lead to 66-51.  Concordia-Chicago hung in the game when Woo Jr. knocked down a three from the left corner to cut the lead to ten with seven minutes to play.  Rockford again got it back out to a 14 point lead late in the game, but after a Chad Abbadessa baseline jumper and another Concklin three cut the lead back to nine with two minutes left.  However, it was too little too late as the Regents were able to close it out and win by the final score of 89-79.          

The Cougars (1-5, 0-4 NACC) will return to action Tuesday, December 12, when they return home to face non-conference opponent Kalamazoo College.  Tip off is set for 7:00pm.