Drew Olson earns dominant 500th career win with 76-24 Midland game

The women’s basketball team plays in its winning game against Midland.

Photo credit: Keith Siek

By Keith Siek

Concordia women’s basketball coach Drew Olson celebrated his 500th career win on Wednesday, defeating Midland 76-24.

The Bulldogs controlled the pace of the game right from the tip by opening the game with a pull-up three from the top of the key by junior Bree Bunting and immediately clamping down in a full-court press. Both offensively and defensively, playmaking and execution propelled Concordia to an early 8-0 lead in the opening minutes of the game.

After surrendering zero buckets from the field in the first quarter, the Bulldogs closed the period alternating free throws with Midland to put the lead up to ten at the buzzer. The Bulldog defense continued its impressive performance throughout the second quarter, holding Midland without a make from the floor for the first 17 minutes.

In the game, the Bulldogs forced 33 turnovers, led by their starters with senior Raelyn Kelty, senior Kristin Vieselmeyer and Bunting each racking up three steals apiece. Olson’s team held Midland to 13.6% shooting from the floor on their way to allowing the fewest points to the opposition so far this season.

Concordia gained offensive momentum by the end of the first half, going up 33-11 into the locker room. Out of the half, Concordia exploded for 30 points in the third quarter, cushioning their lead and opening the opportunity for bench players to see more playing time. Junior Libby Hoffman took advantage of this as she poured in five points in the last two minutes of the third with a three from the left wing to put the Bulldogs up by 50.

As time wound down in the game, junior Mack Reiner attacked the well-worn Midland paint with an and-one layup make, which got the crowd on their feet. Hoffman added an exclamation point to Reiner’s dagger by filling up the bucket with another triple with 4:31 to go in the match.

While Vieselmeyer held the game high 13 points, Concordia saw a well-rounded offensive attack. The Bulldogs’ bench scored 41 points on the day with key contributions from Hoffman, sophomore Makynna Robbins and junior Juliana Jones. Olson’s team shot 42 percent from the floor and knocked down eight free throws to complete the 76-point output.

Olson’s Bulldogs move to 16-4 on the season and look ahead to a game against No. 1 Dordt on January 24.