River Forest, Ill.- Concordia-Chicago returned home this afternoon to take on a Lakeland team that knocked off the conference leaders Benedictine University their last time out.  A back and forth first half had the Muskies only leading by two at halftime, but Lakeland really was able to take control of the game late in the game in their 87-76 win over the Cougars. 

In the first three minutes of the game the Muskies started on a 10-2 run that put CUC in a whole quickly and not an ideal start.  The Cougars erased the eight point deficit abruptly  starting with a Jonathan Wilson and one.  Justin Mack capped off the 9-1 run with back to back short jumpers to tie the game at 11.  With both teams trading baskets, Cougar junior guard Mitch Pelissier achieved a milestone when he knocked down an elbow jumper to put him at 1,000 career points for his collegiate career.  The Muskies managed to go on a mini run late to take a 34-32 lead into halftime.

Like the first half, Lakeland extended their lead to eight within the first two minutes of the second half.  After a Cougars free throw and Pelissier jumper, Justin Schwarz halted the Muskies run when he got fouled on a three and from the right wing and completed the rare four point play to get CUC back within two.  That three really began the Schwarz coming out party for the freshman as he kept hitting big shots for the Cougars to keep them within striking distance.  Unfortunately, Schwarz career day was not enough as Lakeland kept responding to any attempted comebacks from the Cougars.  The Muskies were able to hit their free throws late to pull out an 87-76 road victory.

Concordia-Chicago were led by the freshman Schwarz as he finished with a career high 23 points (6-11 FG, 8-9 FT), and four rebounds.  Wilson and Mack both finished with double-doubles combining for 25 points and 23 rebounds between the two.       

The Cougars (1-11, 0-8 NACC) will return to action next Tuesday when they travel to Milwaukee, Wis. to take on MSOE.  Tip off is set for 7:00pm.