RIVER FOREST, Ill. – After a tough loss to rival Concordia Wisconsin on Tuesday night, the Concordia University Chicago Women's Basketball team heads north once again to take on Lakeland University on Thursday night. This will be the second game of a three game week for the Cougars.
 
Series History: The Cougars and Muskies have met 18 times since the 2006-2007 season. CUC is 8-10 overall against Lakeland during that span and is 3-6 in road contests. The two sides met three times last season, splitting the two regular season matchups with each team winning in their home gym. Lakeland took the third matchup which was a NACC first round playoff game by a final score of 77-62.
 
About the Cougars: The Concordia Chicago Cougars look to rebound after a loss to Concordia Wisconsin on Tuesday night. The Cougars continue to force turnovers this season, ranking third in the NACC with a 10.1 steals per game average. Sam Bloom and Michaela Thornton are tied for fifth in the NACC with their two steals per game average. Bloom was named CUC Athlete of the Week for her performance in the two games last week, which included the win over Dominican. The sophomore guard scored a season and career high 29 points against Aurora, and followed that up with 15 points and three steals against Dominican. She leads the team with a 13.1 points per game average on the season and is shooting a team high 39.1 percent from the floor.
 
About the Muskies: The Lakeland University Muskies come in 11-2 overall and 7-1 in the NACC, just a game back in the win column of first place Wisconsin Lutheran. Lakeland has won eight straight, with their last loss coming on November 24 at Edgewood. The Muskies are one of the toughest defensive teams in the country. They rank 26^th nationally in scoring defense, allowing just 51.3 points per game. They also rank 20^th in opponent shooting percentage, allowing opposing teams to shoot just 32.1 percent from the floor this season. Megan Will is the top player on Lakeland. The sophomore forward averages 14.4 points per game and is shooting just under 54 percent from the field. She also ranks eighth nationally with a 3.1 blocks per game average.
 
Up Next: The Cougars will return to Geiseman Gymnasium on Saturday afternoon to close out the busy three game week. They will take on new NACC member Illinois Tech for the first time in program history. Opening tip is set for 2:00pm.