Milwaukee, Wis, - Looking to build on a six-game winning streak the Concordia University Chicago Cougars took to the floor against the Alverno Inferno. The Cougars and Inferno battled close through the first half, but CUC caught fire in the second half building their lead as high as 23 to run away with their 12^th win of the season by the final score of 76-57.
 
"It took us a bit to get going tonight," remarked head coach Rusty Rogers. "We have struggled playing in this gym over the years but we did a great job getting things going in the second half. Opening on a run that can help put a team like that away is key to taking away any chance of them gaining confidence. Now to get ready to defend our home court next week."
 
The Cougars (12-2; 8-2 NACC) shot 47 percent as a team and were led by Crystal Corr who recorded her fifth double-double of the season (16 points, 12 rebounds). Courtney Lofink had a strong night as well with 12 points and four assists. Alverno (4-11; 1-9 NACC) shot 28 percent as a team and were led by Mackenzie Mathies with 20 points.
 
In the first quarter CUC jumped out quickly but Alverno would be able to keep close on multiple defensive breakdowns by the Cougars. A Sophia Leon three pushed the Cougar lead to its largest at six midway through the quarter. Alverno fought back though with a second chance layup after a missed free throw to tie the game at 18 after the first ten minutes. Corr led the Cougars in the quarter with six points and four rebounds.
 
The second quarter was much like the first early with both teams unable to gain an edge on one another. CUC did close the quarter on a 9-2 run to gain momentum going into halftime. The run started on a Lisa Lubben jumper and was then fueled by a Taylor Jacobsen jumper, a Maddie Vojacek three and a Corr layup.
 
 The Cougars had nine different players score in the first half led by Corr with eight and Leon with seven. As a team CUC shot 41 percent. Alverno shot 30 percent as a team led by Mathies and Gabby Hood with eight points each.
 
Quarter three saw the same style of play as the first half with both teams matching each other stride for stride. Michaela Thornton was an important part of the quarter finding open space behind the Inferno defense for layups. Thornton and Leon helped to build the lead to as many as 13 in the quarter which would be the margin heading to the fourth after a short Thornton jumper just beat the buzzer.
 
CUC came out strong to open the fourth quarter with a 12-2 run. T.Jacobsen got things going with six points on three layups off the right side. The Cougars continued to click on the offensive end building their lead to as many as 23 in the quarter.
 
The Cougars will now ready themselves for a three game homestand that starts on Tuesday night against Marian. Opening tip is set for 7:00pm from Geiseman.