(Ann Arbor, MI) After having their seven game winning streak broken by Aquinas, the Cardinals looked to bounce back against a Cornerstone team that found themselves on the bottom of the WHAC standings. Concordia established a lead from the beginning, and never looked back on their way to a 83-50 blowout.
It was a team effort from the Cardinals, with multiple players breaking the double digit mark on the day. J'may Simmons (14), Asaria Turman (13), Aly Lenz (12), and Shelbea James (11) all broke the 10 point threshold as the Cardinals shot 46.7% from the field and 45.5% from deep. The Cardinals forced 18 turnovers defensively.
Concordia came out of the gates playing physical, full court defense, which forced many early Golden Eagle turnovers. The Cards were efficient on offense, making shots both in the paint, and behind the arc at a rate of 50.0% and 57.1% respectively. J'may Simmons made quick work of the interior of the Cornerstone defense, putting up 7 points in the first quarter. Four different Cardinals sank a three pointer in the quarter as well, to give Concordia an 11 point advantage after 10 minutes.
The onslaught from three point land continued for the Cards as they consistently knocked down shots from outside. The game did not get completely out of reach however, as the Golden Eagles sank several of their own. Concordia was able to expand slightly upon their lead and take a 16 point advantage into halftime.
Cornerstone came into the second half with newfound energy, making their way through the Cardinal press and converting more of their shots. Shelbea James put up a strong offensive output off of the bench for Concordia, which helped make the gap 20 points. Once again the Cardinal defense helped create separation, but it was Jerrica Neal's three pointer that she banked in at the buzzer that put the Cards up by 23.
Concordia continued to force turnovers in the final quarter of play as the Cardinal bench players proved to be just as stingy defensively. Lindsey Ferrington hit her second three of the game half way through the fourth, which helped the lead grow over 30 points where it would stay for the remainder of the contest.
Following today's game, the Cardinals will next hit the court on Saturday as they will host 11th ranked Indiana Tech. Tip off will be at 1:00 pm in the Cardinal Fieldhouse.
