Feb. 6, 2019 - The last time the Concordia-Chicago men's basketball played Rockford University, a late comeback gave the Cougars an 86-79 win in their home opener. Tonight, the Cougars looked to complete the sweep on the road against the Regents, who were celebrating their Senior Night. Another late rally gave CUC their opportunity, but the game went into overtime where Rockford prevailed in the final seconds by a score of 104-102. Â
Pelissier got things going for the Cougars tonight, driving through the lane for the good layup off a shovel pass from
Neil O'Donnell.
From there, the Regents managed to control the momentum early on, as they were leading 12-9 before Meeks drained his first three-pointer of the night to tie things up at 12 apiece. By the 15-minute mark, the Cougars trailed by just one, 16-15, as
Basbous made a layup that took CUC into a timeout. However, the Regents regrouped out of the break and quickly pulled ahead to a 22-17 lead.
Down the stretch, CUC continued to trail closely behind the Regents, until Meeks swished another clutch three-pointer that allowed the Cougars their first advantage of the evening.Â
Despite Concordia-Chicago's slight lead, reigning NACC Athlete of the week Tony
Diemer took control of the remainder of the half to push the Regents' lead to nine points, marking their largest lead of the game.
CUC managed to pull within five and headed into the halftime break down just 45-40 on 17-of-45 shooting from the field.
The Cougars scored their first point of the second half off a made free throw from
Gladney nearly two minutes into the frame.
Pelissier would be the one to reignite CUC's offense however, making back-to-back baskets to bring the Cougars back within five of the Regents.Â
No matter how close CUC seemed to get, Rockford hit clutch three-pointers down the stretch to keep their distance. The Cougars continued to shoot the ball well, as
Pelissier drained a pull up jumper from range to make it an eight-point game with 13 minutes to go.
With under 10 to go in regulation, CUC cut their deficit to five, but an offensive turnover led to a fast break for the Regents, forcing a Cougar timeout.Â
In the last minute of play, Meeks drained two baskets from the charity stripe to put pressure on the Regents, with the game at 92-88. The sophomore followed up his free throws with a driving layup that pulled the Cougars within just one-point with seconds left on the clock. As time began to expire,
Gladney tipped in the basket that would ultimately force overtime, with the stalemate at 94-94.Â
The overtime period was another tight-lipped battle, as once again the game was tied 102-102 with 15 seconds to go. A critical Cougar foul would ultimately send
Diemer to the free throw line, as he drained both baskets and gave his team the 104-102 overtime victory.Â
INSIDE THE BOX SCORE
- Jalen Meeks led CUC with 31 points tonight, just two points off his career-high 33 against Edgewood College back on Dec. 1.
- Landen Gladney (19-15) and Hassan Basbous (14-10) both recorded double-doubles this evening. For Basbous, it was the second of his career, while Gladney's was his 18th, keeping him among the Division III leaders.
- The Cougars took a season-high 95 shots from the field.
The Cougars will travel down Division Street to take on Dominican University this Saturday in River Forest Rivalry Cup action. Tip-off is scheduled for 4:15 p.m.
