(Ann Arbor, MI) Concordia's matchup against Indiana Tech represented the first of three of their next four games that would be against nationally ranked opponents. The 11th ranked Warriors came to Ann Arbor having won five of their last six and the Cardinals had won eight of their last nine, setting up a matchup between two of the top four teams in the conference. Both sides shined defensively in the early going, but it was the Warriors who were able to separate themselves in the fourth quarter to secure the 77-55 win.
Concordia had their worst shooting performance of the season, making just 27.4% from the field and 20.0% from deep. Asaria Turman had a career day, coming up just short of a double-double with 21 points and 9 rebounds, which was 8 more points than her previous best. Katie Snow recorded 12 points and J'may Simmons was also just shy of a double-double with 9 points and 10 rebounds.
Asaria Turman opened up the game with a quick four points for the Cardinals, giving them an early three point lead. Both sides played tight defense, which caused a fair amount of turnovers and sloppy play offensively. The Cardinals looked to attack the Warrior defense from the interior, but failed to convert shots in the paint, shooting under 30% in the quarter. Concordia's failure to capitalize in the post allowed the Warriors to overcome the early deficit by six points at the end of the quarter.
Concordia looked to attack from outside more often in the second quarter, as Turman banked a shot in from the top of the key to bring it back to a three point game. Indiana Tech answered with one of their own and did not allow the Cards to bring in many offensive rebounds, which allowed the Warriors to grow their lead to double digits. Indiana Tech would take a nine point lead into halftime.
The first several minutes of the second half were controlled by Indiana Tech as the Warriors expanded upon their lead. The tide changed for the Cards when Samantha Dorn knocked down a triple from the wing to pull Concordia back within striking distance. Katie Snow made an impact on both sides of the court and made it a seven point game by converting at the free throw line on a couple occasions. That seven point difference did not last for long as the Warriors picked up the pace and were able to find holes in Concordia's defense and go into the final quarter up 11.
Indiana Tech began to open up the game in the fourth, sinking threes and outrunning the Cardinals in the fastbreak. Halfway through the quarter, the Warriors found themselves up 17 points and never looked back as they went on to win by a final score of 77-55.
Concordia will have a game at Madonna University before playing two more ranked opponents in their next stretch. The Crusaders are 3-14 on the season and are near the bottom of the WHAC standings. Wednesday's game will be at 6:00 pm in Livonia.
