Free-throw troubles lead to loss vs Defenders, 83-71

Senior MJ Coffey rings the bell after a victory over Clarke University (photo from previous game).

Photo credit: Kai Olbrich

By Ransom Watts

Struggles from the free-throw line late in the game handed No. 24 Concordia Men’s Basketball a 83-71 loss against Dordt University on Dec. 13.

For a majority of the game, the Bulldogs and the Defenders were neck and neck, and kept the game within a few possessions. The Bulldogs were dangerous from and within the three-point line, shooting about 40 percent from both.

Senior Zac Kulus was the leader in points for Concordia with 13 in the first half, shooting 3-5 at the three-point line and 5-9 from field goal range. Kulus finished the game with 21 points. Dordt University was able to keep up the momentum despite this and only trailed the Bulldogs by one point at halftime.

Into the second half, the Bulldogs shot just as well for two points as well as three, but Dordt continued to keep the score close and began to take the lead. 11 minutes into the second half, Dordt went on a 10-0 run, leaving the Bulldogs behind 59-69. Concordia was able to bring it within a six-point deficit, but the defenders widened the gap to 10 after Dordt made both free throw attempts on a foul by Concordia.

In the second half, the Defenders racked up 15 fouls on Concordia and were much deadlier from the free-throw line, shooting 60 percent in that category against the measly 45 percent from the Bulldogs.

With minutes left, Dordt led the Bulldogs by a deficit of more than 15, which Concordia was able to slightly shorten in the final minute before the buzzer.

The loss is Concordia’s second in a row in Great Plains Athletic Conference action. The Bulldogs are on the road next against Mid-America Nazarene University on Dec. 19 as they begin a stretch of three nonconference games before returning to GPAC games at the new year.