(Ann Arbor, MI) – Concordia women's basketball hosted rival #RV Siena Heights in WHAC conference play on a frigid Wednesday night. The game was a heavyweight battle featuring multiple lead changes, but the Saints took the lead late for a 72-68 win.
Abby Long led all scorers with 29 points. Jess Andrew and Taylor Leatherman tied for second with 11 points apiece. Alexx Braddock had a team-high 11 rebounds and 8 points.
Abby Long hit a high-arcing triple to open the scoring. Alexx Braddock made an offensive putback and Jess Andrew weaved through traffic for an early basket. Abby Long added another 3-pointer and Jess Andrew drove for another layup. A triple from Julia Hirt put the Cardinals up double digits with a 16-6 lead. Jess Andrew, Abby Long, and Ellery Baker all drained free throws to give CUAA a 22-15 advantage after the 1st.
Taylor Leatherman drove for a layup early in the second quarter. Abby Long hit a jumper and Alexx Braddock converted a putback inside. Siena Heights rallied to tie the game 28-28, but Abby Long kept the Cardinals fighting back with a jumper and free throws. However, the late surge gave the Saints a 36-32 lead at halftime.
Abby Long drained two 3-pointers to tie the game 38-38. Taylor Leatherman drove for a basket and Abby Long hit a jumper as the teams traded points. Long was fouled shooting a triple and made all three free throws to keep the offense going. Julia Hirt and Abby Long added free throws and CUAA trailed 54-52 after the third quarter.
Taylor Leatherman scored a game-tying layup and Jess Andrew nailed a go-ahead 3-pointer. After the Saints retook the lead, Taylor Leatherman got open for a triple and drained a jump shot. The lead continued to shift with Abby Long and Alexx Braddock scoring baskets. Braddock tied the match 68-68 after a slick feed from Long.
Siena Heights made free throws in the final minute to pull ahead by two points. After forcing a turnover on the inbounds with under 10 seconds, the Saints made their free throws to seal the game.
Concordia will head on the road to Rochester this Saturday at 1 pm.
