(Goshen, IN) - Concordia men's basketball traveled to Goshen on Tuesday night to open their season. The Cardinals jumped out to an early lead and survived a late Maple Leafs rally to claim an 83-78 victory.
Ray Washington-Battle led the team with 26 points while tying Mark DeVries with a team-best seven rebounds. Mason Canfield finished second with 20 points. Jack Olis and Jason Jergens tied for third with 12 points apiece.
The first two Cardinal baskets of the game came from Ray Washington-Battle. CUAA attacked inside with buckets by Mark DeVries and Jack Olis. Washington-Battle continued to pace the offense and Colby Chapman nailed a triple. Wyatt Zepp got on the scoresheet and CUAA led 19-15 at the midway point of the half.
Ray Washington-Battle continued to dominate with baskets and free throws. A layup from Jack Olis gave the Cardinals a double-digit lead with a 27-17 edge. Jason Jergens knocked down a 3-pointer down the stretch, but Goshen began to tighten the game. Three more baskets from Ray Washington-Battle put CUAA ahead 40-32 at halftime.
Mason Canfield hit a tough reverse layup to start the second half. Ray Washington-Battle and Canfield paced the offense to a 50-39 lead early in the half. However, Goshen used an 11-0 run to fight back and tie the game. Mason Canfield ended the run with a triple and the teams traded baskets with CUAA leading 57-55 at the midway point.
Jason Jergens hit a 3-pointer and Mason Canfield converted an "and-1" to keep the Cardinals in front. Jergens added another triple and Mark DeVries scored inside for a 68-57 advantage. Goshen rallied again with an 11-0 run to tie the game until Jack Olis countered with a basket.
Goshen took a 73-70 lead at the 3:18 mark of the game. Jason Jergens answered with a triple and Colby Chapman drained go-ahead free throws. Jack Olis scored a late basket, and the Cardinals made their free throws in the final minutes to secure the 83-78 victory.
Concordia will play next on Friday, November 8th, for an exhibition game at NCAA Division I Valparaiso University in Indiana. The game tips off at 8pm.
