Men's Basketball Downed in Home Battle with Concordia

CRETE, Neb. — Concordia University scored the final six points of the first half and never trailed again, defeating Doane 85-69 Wednesday night in Great Plains Athletic Conference men's basketball action at the Haddix Center.

The Bulldogs (16-8, 10-6 GPAC) turned a tight early stretch into a 39-24 halftime advantage, then pushed the lead as high as 21 in the second half while shooting 52.7% (29-of-55) from the field and going 21-of-26 at the foul line.

Doane (11-13, 5-11 GPAC) found its footing offensively after the break, knocking down nine 3-pointers, but couldn't overcome a cold first half (9-of-31 shooting) and 14 turnovers.

Brooks Kissinger led Concordia with a game-high 28 points to go with eight rebounds, five steals and four assists. Zac Kulus added 12 points on four made 3-pointers, and Jaxon Stueve scored 12 points with three assists. Dane Jacobsen chipped in 10 points and five assists, while Tate Odvody finished with 12 points and six rebounds.

Doane was paced by Justus Gardiner, who scored 18 points on 7-of-10 shooting with five rebounds. Casen Chaney posted 17 points, four assists and three steals, while Trevon Beckman added 12 points. Jonan Claussen scored nine, and Jack Wilson grabbed a team-high nine rebounds.

Concordia's pressure defense created 12 steals and helped fuel an 8-2 edge in points off turnovers. The Bulldogs also controlled the paint (46-32) and repeatedly got downhill late, scoring 14 second-half free throws.

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