(Ann Arbor, MI) - Concordia men's basketball hosted University of Michigan-Dearborn on Wednesday night for the team's WHAC opener. The Cardinals held a 5-point lead at halftime, but the Wolverines rallied in the second half for an 83-75 win.
Ray Washington-Battle led the team with 18 points. Colby Chapman finished a close second with 17 points. Jack Olis (16) and Jason Jergens (13) were also in double figures. Mark DeVries led the team with 10 rebounds.
Jack Olis opened scoring with a 3-point basket. Mark DeVries scored inside as the teams battled to an early 5-5 tie. Ray Washington-Battle converted an "and-1", but the Wolverines built a 16-8 lead until Jack Olis countered with a jumper. Colby Chapman made a layup and both Wyatt Zepp and Chapman nailed triples as the Cardinals looked to recover the lead. Colby Chapman continued to lead the comeback with a layup and 3-pointer giving CUAA a 23-21 lead at the 9:25 mark during the first half.
UM-Dearborn tied the game, but the Cardinals responded with an 11-0 run to take a commanding lead. Ray Washington-Battle continued to attack the basket and Jason Jergens added a late triple. Mark DeVries knocked down a jumper and CUAA led 42-37 at halftime.
Jason Jergens opened the second half with a free throw on a Wolverine technical foul. Jergens added a pair of 3-pointers, but the Wolverines briefly took a 51-50 lead until a Jack Olis jumper. UM-Dearborn continued to rally and led 62-56 at the mid-way point of the second half.
Jack Olis drove for a pair of layups and a Ray Washington-Battle basket cut the deficit to 66-64. Colby Chapman chipped in a layup and two free throws as the Cardinals stayed close in the final minutes. Ray Washington-Battle made a tough basket and Jack Olis hit a triple in the final minute. However, UM-Dearborn held on for an 82-75 win.
Concordia will travel to Lawrence Tech this Saturday, November 23rd, for a 3pm game.
