RIVER FOREST, Ill. -- Returning to Geiseman for the first time in 2019, the Concordia University Chicago Women's Basketball team took the floor against Division Street Rival Dominican University tonight. CUC trailed the Stars at the half, but had enough fight in the second half to complete the comeback for a 62-58 win.
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INSIDE THE BOX SCORE:
- CUC held Dominican to just 27.8 percent shooting on the night.
- Sam Bloom played a game high 35 minutes and finished with 15 points on 6-13 shooting.
- Kayla Horlacher got hot from downtown, finishing with 12 points on 4-7 shooting from deep.
- Michaela Thornton shot 6-12 from the field with seven rebounds and five assists.
- CUC outscored Dominican 24-10 in fast break point.
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In the opening quarter, Dominican built up an early lead before Horlacher brought CUC back within 8-7 with the first of her four threes on the day. The Stars were able to build their lead up to seven with 4:18 remaining in the quarter, but five straight points by Bloom were able to pull CUC back within two. A layup and a three by Stephenee Huggans build the Dominican lead back to 21-14 after the first quarter.
CUC opened the second quarter with two quick baskets by Bloom and
Maddie Vojacek to pull close once again. The Cougars then pulled back within three when Thornton converted her steal into a layup. Another three by Horlacher late in the quarter ended a short Dominican run to get CUC back within two. Dominican would convert a late free throw to take a 32-29 lead into the half.
The Cougars answered the bell to begin the second half by scoring six straight points to open the quarter. A backdoor layup by
Annika Rae started the run which was followed by a Bloom layup and a Thornton jumper which gave CUC the lead at 35-32. The two teams battled close throughout the quarter, with Horlacher hitting another deep three to give CUC a 42-39 lead midway through the quarter. CUC continued to lead from there, taking a 45-43 lead into the fourth.
Both sides exchanged points in the early goings of the fourth quarter. CUC was able to build their lead to seven on a
Crystal Corr fast break layup and a jumper by Thornton. After a Dominican basket, Horlacher launched the longest three of the day to give CUC an eight point advantage.
The Cougars were able to hang on from there by knocking down free throws late to hold on for the 61-58 rivalry win.
The Cougars will be back in action on Tuesday night when they head to Wisconsin to take on Concordia University Wisconsin. Opening tip is set for 7:00pm.
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