(Ann Arbor, MI) The Concordia University Women's basketball team looked to end a three-game losing streak on Tuesday with a statement win against the No. 22 University of Michigan-Dearborn. The Cardinals would go onto do just that, upsetting the Wolverines by a score of 61-53. This would be Head Coach Kiefer Haffey's first career top 25 win in just his second season at the helm.
For the Cardinals, Tris'styn Williams would lead the team with 18 points (9-19 FG, 0-0 3PT, 0-0 FT), 7 rebounds, and 2 assists. Katie Snow also put forth a great effort, recording 16 points (3-12 FG, 0-3 3PT, 10-11 FT), 7 rebounds, and 3 assists. J'may Simmons put up 10 points (4-11 FG, 0-1 3PT, 2-2 FT) and 6 rebounds. For the Wolverines, Mariah Taylor would have 14 points (5-11 FG, 0-1 3PT, 4-4 FT), 3 rebounds, and 1 assist. Maricela Macias would had 10 points (3-14 FG, 2-9 3 PT, 2-2 FT), 4 rebounds, and 5 assists.
The Cardinals opened up the game in a defensive battle, with both offenses failing to score for nearly five minutes. Featuring a new starting lineup, the Cards did a good job disrupting the quick hitting, aggressive, Wolverines. With the help of Tris'styn Williams and Katie Snow, the Concordia offense gained steam, scoring most of their points in the paint. Ultimately UM-Dearborn would take the lead before the first quarter ended, 14-13.
Picking up right where they left off into the second quarter, both squads continued playing excellent press defense in a back and forth game. Closing their defense up the middle, the Wolverines made life in the paint more difficult for the Cards, but Concordia continued to put up a great fight against the number 22 team in the nation, creating great defensive matchups of their own. CUAA would go into the halftime trailing by just 2 points, 28-26.
Keeping their upset bid alive into the third quarter, the Cardinals continued to look more fluid on offense, translating into more buckets. Concordia eventually took a 5 point lead, their largest of game. UM- Dearborn refused to relent however, cutting into to Concordia's lead late in the quarter, resulting in the Cardinals leading just 46-45 heading into the fourth quarter.
Concordia continued to play well, continuing their offensive improvement. Meanwhile the Wolverines continued to stick around, refusing to be upset easily. Midway through the quarter, the Cardinals broke through with a 7-point lead. A late 3 by UM-Dearborn, made things interesting with just under two minuets to play, but five late free throws by the Cards all but locked up the win, 61-53.
Next up for Concordia is a December 4th matchup against Rochester University in the Cardinal Field House. Tipoff is set for 6pm against the Warriors.
