CIT Has Arrived Here in Chicago
Jan, 30, 2012
by Kevin Devrient and Abel Sauer
The guys came into the tournament on a two-game winning streak and ready for revenge on Concordia Wisconsin. The first time around, the Cougars lost 89-63. However, the Cougars were not messing around this time. The Cougars and Falcons were battling back and forth at each other’s throats to take the game into half tied at 32 apiece.
Coming out of the locker room the Cougars and Falcons were neck-and-neck until the Cougars were able to take a seven-point lead midway thru the half before things got very interesting. With five minutes to go and the Falcons on the verge of defeat with the Cougars up by as many as 10, the Falcons unexpected comeback began. It took until 30 seconds left in the game for it to become all even again.
Charles Gordon takes the Cougars on his back with his drive to the hoop for two to take a 65-63 lead with nine seconds showing on the clock. With CUC thinking it was in the bag and on the verge of playing for a repeat CIT championship against Concordia Nebraska, the unthinkable and crowd draining shot came. A three from the corner by Brian Jackson put everybody back in their seats. Coach Jones then called a timeout to try and draw up what would be a game-winning shot. It came up short when Issa Avery's halfcourt heave hit all parts of the cylinder but not the bottom of the net, resulting in a Concordia Wisconsin 66-65 win and a place in the Championship. Concordia-Chicago had nothing but heart this whole game and would have to try and find a way to rebound and take on Concordia Ann Arbor in the consolation game.
Saturday arrived as the Cougars came out on a mission to move on from their tough loss to Concordia Wisconsin. The Cougars took a seven-point lead into the half before a nightmare came knocking again for the Cougars.
The Cougars held a lead for the first part of the half just like on the previous night when Ann Arbor decided it was their turn to take a lead. The Cougars would be forced to try and keep the game close during this tough time before the second nightmare came. With no time left on the clock and the Cougars' Issa Avery at the line shooting two for the win, he would end up making the first before missing the second, sending the game into overtime.
In overtime, fatigue seemed to finally catch up with the weary Cougars. Ann Arbor was able to capitalize and end the game, leaving the Cougars taking fourth place in the tournament.
The Cougars played very hard all weekend and have no reason to hang their heads. The important conference stretch begins with the Cougars battling for a place in the NAC tournament.
The lady Cougars knew they were about to be in a tough battle with one of the best NAIA teams in the nation in Concordia Ann Arbor, Coach Steffen's old school. Ann Arbor came out in control and controlled the entire game from the first whistle till the last. The score may show that it was bad but the Cougar woman showed heart the whole night and kept trying their hardest to keep up with this fast paced team.
The Cougars ended the night on a tough note but knew they would have to try and find a way to regroup for the game against Concordia Wisconsin who had previously defeated them 77-58. The Cougars battled hard once again for the entire game but found themselves on the short end again. The women ended the tournament just like the men in fourth place.
This would be a great sample for what the Cougars will have to experience as they wrap up the season competing for an opportunity to play in the NAC tournament.
Cougars Tame Sabres Not Once But Twice!
Jan. 23, 2012
The lady Sabres came to Chicago while the Cougars were on a two-game losing streak and looking to snap out of it. Marian started the game with a three-point field goal, but the Cougars would overcome it. The Cougars soon got it going ferociously and took a 41-27 lead into the half.
The Cougars would get a lot of help coming out for the second half from Krystyna Rickett and Bobbie May who had 21 and 17 respectively. These two ladies would carry the load throughout the half with the final being 78-64. This would be a great way for the Cougars to get ready and prepare themselves for a long and tough CIT weekend.
Now it is the guys turn to take the hardwood against Marian. The Cougar men are coming into this contest after a tough loss from Rockford a few nights ago, losing by one. The Cougar men start this game off just the way they started against Rockford - neck and neck. The Cougars would take a 26-24 lead into the half.
Marian would come out of the locker room fighting strong for the first seven minutes of the second half, taking as much as a six-point lead. This would only enrage the Cougars who would fight back behind the brilliant effort of Charles Gordon who would end the game with 25 points. The men would go on and finish with a 64-56 win.
The Cougar men finish a very strong game and hope to keep this momentum going onto a chance to repeat as CIT champs. The men will open with Concordia Wisconsin who had previously beaten them 89-63. Hopefully this Marian win be a spark for the Cougars.
We would like to personally invite all you Cougar fans to come out and support these hot men and woman Cougar basketball teams. So get your tickets now because you will not want to forget this crazy and unforgettable weekend here at Concordia University Chicago.
The Battle of Division Street Squared
Dec. 2, 2011
Half a mile divides these two old rivals, the Cougars of Concordia and the Stars of Dominican. The first day of competition included the men of both universities both seeking their first victory of the season. Dominican came out like shooting stars in the first half and led the Cougars 30-29 at the break.
The lead did not hold off for the Stars because the Cougars came charging back behind the brilliant efforts of Issa Avery and Charles Gordon. They combined for 49 points which equaled the total amount scored by the Stars. With a great 69-49 win over their Division Street rivals, the Cougar men's basketball team was able to pull off the first victory of a young season.
Following this great match-up the next evening was the same rivalry from the women’s side. The Cougars, looking to complete the CUC sweep, came out firing in the first half and led the Stars at the half, 26-25.
Both teams would battle back and forth for the remainder of the game. The Cougars were under pressure with time winding down as Bobbie May fouled out. But, with the game on the line, freshman Kassy Koehler scored on a layup to force the game into overtime.
The women did not end up going into just one overtime they went into a second before falling short by an 84-79 score. The Cougars were led by a great effort from Krystyna Rickett as she scored 28 points. Kayla Blom led the Stars with 31 points. Overall, this round of the Division Street rivalry ended with great efforts by all teams.
See blog posts from the 2010-11 Cougar sports year.
