(Ann Arbor, MI) – Concordia women's basketball wound down the WHAC regular season with a home contest against UNOH. The Cardinals came into the contest 16-11 overall (12-6 WHAC) while the Racers entered 3-20 (1-17 WHAC). UNOH looked to pull off an upset and led at halftime, but CUAA overcame a slow start with a strong fourth quarter to win 63-53.
Samantha Dorn led Concordia with 16 points going 4-6 from behind the arc. Taylor Leatherman finished second with 10 points while tying Asaria Turman for a team-high 6 rebounds. Zaria Mitchner came in third with 8 points.
Taylor Leatherman opened scoring with a 3-pointer. Samantha Dorn added an early triple as the teams exchanged baskets early on. After over 3 scoreless minutes Mackenzie Howe and Stephanie Abraham converted inside to put Concordia back ahead. Two free throws from Izzy Viau gave CUAA a 12-9 lead after the first quarter.
After UNOH briefly retook the lead Alize Tripp drove through traffic for a layup. Asaria Turman converted an "and-1" and Zaria Mitchner added two free throws in a tight game. A late run by UNOH had the Cardinals trailing 27-21 at halftime.
Izzy Viau knocked down a short jumpshot to start an 8-0 run in the third quarter. Taylor Leatherman drilled a triple and Samantha Dorn hit the go-ahead 3-pointer. Another triple from Dorn along with an old-fashioned three-point play from Julia Hirt paced the offense. Asaria Turman and Zaria Mitchner added layups and CUAA held a 40-38 lead after the third quarter.
Samantha Dorn drained a 3-pointer to start the fourth quarter. Dorn drove for a layup and Keirslynn Lawless converted an "and-1" to extend the lead. A 3-pointer from Alize Tripp and more free throws from Dorn helped Concordia to stay in front. Keirslynn Lawless made a late layup and free throws from Taylor Leatherman closed out the 63-53 win.
Concordia will remain home this Saturday, February 19 when they celebrate Senior Day against UM-Dearborn. Tip-off is at 1pm.