(Sylvania, OH) – Concordia men's basketball went on the road Wednesday night to square off against Lourdes in WHAC conference play. The Cardinals came in 7-8 (2-6 WHAC) while the Gray Wolves entered 13-3 (5-3 WHAC). CUAA kept the game close early on, but Lourdes began to pull away late in the first half and won 89-72.
Colton Ritsema led Concordia with 19 points. D'Angelo Stoxstill finished second with 11 points. Mason Canfield came in third with 10 points. Zac Clark had a team-high 7 rebounds along with 5 points.
Kip French scored the first Cardinal basket with a layup. Devyn Jones and Zac Clark scored early baskets leading to a 6-6 tie. Kip French converted an old-fashioned three-point play to give the Cardinals an early 9-8 lead.
Evan Neff scored inside and Colton Ritsema had 6 straight Concordia points with solid inside play. Jaydey Priddy hit a midrange jumper to give the Cardinals a 19-17 lead just over the midway point of the first half.
Colton Ritsema continued a solid first half with a pair of layups and a 3-pointer. However, Lourdes closed out the first half on a 22-3 run and CUAA trailed 48-29 at halftime.
D'Angelo Stoxstill started the second half with a layup. Colton Ritsema converted inside and Stoxstill added a jumper as the Cardinals looked to come back. Ritsema and Stoxstill continued to score and Mason Canfield added a 3-pointer, but Lourdes continued to respond with baskets as well.
Devyn Jones used a shifty move to weave through the defense and bank in a layup. D'Angelo Stoxstill scored a basket and a 3-pointer later and the Cardinals got free throws from Colton Ritsema, Devyn Jones and Evan Neff.
Nate Brighton converted an "and-1" late in the game. Mason Canfield chipped in two jumpers and Henry Knapp drained a 3-pointer. However, Lourdes would win by a final score of 89-72.
Concordia will stay on the road this Saturday, January 15 when they travel to Indiana Tech. Tip-off is at 3pm.