(Ann Arbor, MI) – Concordia men's basketball hosted Cleary on Saturday afternoon for a WHAC contest. The Cardinals held a 4-point lead at halftime, but the Cougars rallied in the second half for a 73-61 upset win.
Dylan Jergens led the team with 17 points. Devyn Jones had 16 points and a team-high 8 rebounds. Zavion McClendon finished third with 13 points.
Nate Brighton made two free throws for an early 2-2 tie. Brighton drove for a layup and Evan Neff drilled a triple in the early stages. Zavion McClendon scored on a drive to the hoop and Devyn Jones added two free throws. Matt Kohler converted a basket inside and Jones made two more free throws for a 15-14 lead.
Brothers Dylan Jergens and Jason Jergens knocked down 3-pointers to keep the Cardinals ahead. Zavion McClendon finished off an "and-1" and Devyn Jones hit a jumpshot. Cleary rallied to tie the game 27-27, but Nate Brighton made an offensive putback to retake the lead. Free throws from Dylan Jergens and a 3-pointer by Zavion McClendon put CUAA up 34-30 at halftime.
After Cleary tied the game again, Devyn Jones made a putback early in the second half. Zavion McClendon hit another 3-pointer and the lead continued to shift sides with Dylan Jergens banking a shot in off the high glass. Cleary took a 51-44 lead prompting a CUAA timeout near the midway point of the half.
Dylan Jergens continued to lead the offense with strong drives to the hoop and solid shooting. Devyn Jones scored inside and Jergens added an "and-1" with 2:30 left to play. However, Cleary continued to make their baskets and maintain their lead. Devyn Jones drained two late free throws but the Cougars claimed the 73-61 win as time expired.
Concordia will travel to Aquinas this Wednesday at 7:30pm.
