River Forest, Ill. – After two games on the road, the Concordia University Chicago men's basketball team (3-5, 1-3 NACC) returned home, Monday evening, for a non-conference matchup against Carroll University (3-8, 0-4 CCIW). The Cougars utilized their depth to fend off the Pioneers by a score of 67-62.
Inside the Box Score
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As a team, every Cougar who dresses played. CUC's bench scored 21 points.
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Jacob Collicott (LaFayette, Ind.) recorded his first career double-double with 12 points and 11 rebounds. Collicott also led the team with 33 minutes of play.
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Landen Gladney. (Chicago, Ill.) led all scorers with 15 points.
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CUC held Carroll to 19% on three-pointers, which set a new season low for opponents.
The beginning of the game consisted of several second chance opportunities off missed shots for each team. Carroll capitalized on eight offensive boards to give them their first lead at 16:05 by a score of 4-3. The Pioneers later went on a 12-2 run, giving them their largest lead of the game of 10 points at 8:58. The Cougars kept it close, but struggled to produce offensively shooting 31% from the field.
The Cougars offense came alive outsourcing the Pioneers 17-3 for the remainder of the half. Javen Reid (Wheeling, Ill.) in his first game of the season, came off the bench and nailed a three to give CUC the lead at the 3:30 mark. Senior Izak Ruddell (Saint Joseph, Mich.) led all Cougar scores in the half with five points, followed by freshman Liam Cameron (Ventura, Calif) with four. CUC went into the locker room with a 26-22 lead having lead for only 4:52 in the half.
The Cougars never let up in the second half, and rode the momentum for the remainder of the game. As a team, the Cougars had seven assists in the half, which contributed to 20 paint points. Shooting production picked up as well, as CUC went 12-28 from the field. Collicott's three pointer at 4:53 gave the Cougars a 55-43 lead.
The separating factoring in the half was free throws. Carroll sent CUC into the bonus with 9:05 remaining in the game. The Cougars went 15-22 from the free throw line to hold off a late Pioneer comeback. Better shot selection and press break strategy also contributed to the final result.
The Cougars have some time off to enjoy the holiday before they return to action on Dec. 30 against #16 Trine University. Tip-off is slated for 6 pm EST. For coverage of the game, head to cucougars.com/coverage.
