(Ann Arbor, MI) - Concordia women's basketball competed in the championship game of the Concordia Invitational Tournament against Concordia Nebraska on Saturday night. The Cardinals fed off the energy of their fans and jumped out to a quick start in the first quarter. Despite trailing by double digits, the team nearly came all the way back pulling within a few points in the second half. However, Concordia Nebraska claimed a tight 66-60 win as time expired.
Lauren Borsenik led the team with 13 points. Ryan Moorer finished second with 11 points. Emily McCalla had a team-high eight rebounds and was named to the All-Tournament team.
Concordia Nebraska hit an early triple, but Abby Long made a jumper to start a 13-0 run for the Cardinals. Hannah Vallier knocked down two 3-pointers and Emily McCalla also scored from behind the arc. Jess Andrew scored a fast break layup to cap the run as the CUAA fans continued to build energy during the run. The Bulldogs answered with an 11-0 run and led 14-13 after the first quarter.
Ryan Moorer opened the second quarter with a layup. Lauren Borsenik scored inside and Abby Long added two free throws later on. However, the Bulldog defense held strong and CUAA trailed 26-17 at halftime.
Jess Andrew made a jumper to end the 5-0 Bulldog run in the third quarter. Ryan Moorer also had a mid-range jumper. The Cardinals began to score most of their points at the free throw line with Emily McCalla and Lauren Borsenik performing well. Avery Collins had a key layup through traffic in the final seconds and CUAA trimmed the deficit to 42-38 after three quarters.
Lauren Borsenik drained a pair of free throws early in the fourth quarter. The Cardinals stayed close with Avery Collins adding another layup and Ryan Moorer making a strong drive to the basket. Jess Andrew pulled the team within two points with a fadeaway jumper, electrifying the crowd with the team down just 48-46 with seven minutes to play.
Jess Andrew scored again and Abby Long knocked down a jumper. Ryan Moorer and Abby Long led another comeback effort with the Cardinals trailing 61-57 with just under a minute to play. Lauren Borsenik made a 3-pointer with 17 seconds left to keep hope alive. However, the Bulldogs held on for a 66-60 win.
Concordia will resume WHAC play when they travel to UM-Dearborn this Wednesday, January 29th, at 5:30pm.
