Bulldogs open season with dominant 89-61 victory over Kansas Wesleyan
Concordia passes against Mount Marty (photo from Feb. 2026).
Photo: Kai Olbrich
By Victor Tavares Paiva
The Concordia University Bulldogs opened their 2026-27 men’s basketball season in impressive fashion Thursday night, earning a dominant 89-61 road victory over Kansas Wesleyan University in Salina, Kansas.
Concordia delivered a balanced offensive performance, shooting 52.7% from the field, 29-55, and an impressive 48% from three-point range, 12-25. The Bulldogs also recorded 20 assists and forced 16 steals, demonstrating their ability to create opportunities on both ends of the floor.
Senior Brooks Kissinger and sophomore Garret Johnson led the Bulldogs with 18 points apiece. Kissinger finished 5-7 from the field and 8-10 from the free-throw line, while Johnson provided a major spark off the bench, knocking down six three-pointers on eight attempts to finish with 18 points in just 20 minutes.
Hayden Frank added 12 points, including three three-pointers, while also recording five rebounds and four steals. Derek Tonjes contributed 11 points and five assists, providing an important presence in the Bulldogs’ starting lineup.
Dane Jacobsen finished with seven points, four rebounds and three steals, while Jaxon Stueve added six points and three assists. As a team, Concordia collected 35 rebounds and held Kansas Wesleyan to 61 points to secure the 28-point victory.
The Bulldogs entered the season with high expectations, having been selected first in the Great Plains Athletic Conference preseason coaches’ poll and ranked No. 19 in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics preseason coaches’ poll. Adding to the team’s expectations, Kissinger was recently named the NAIA Hoops Report Preseason GPAC Player of the Year earlier this month.
Still in Kansas, Concordia will look to carry its momentum into its next matchup as the Bulldogs travel to North Newton to face Bethel College on Friday, Oct. 30. Tipoff is scheduled for 6 p.m.
