Kent Does It Again; Scores 25 in Home Win

Photo Courtesy of Lyric Allen

By Elisha Meyer

Carter Kent recorded his second straight 20+ point performance in a big second half on Saturday to help lead Concordia over the visiting Dordt University Defenders 91-79

The Bulldogs add the quality win into their now four-game winning streak, in which the Bulldogs have won by an average final margin of victory of 21.5 points. The margin is explained by an offense that has scored 85+ points in the past three games as well as a defense that has not allowed 80+ points in the last five games. 

Carter Kent has been at the helm of the past two offensive attacks, scoring 25 points in this contest, as well as Thursday’s win over Northwestern College. 

The game was not decided right away, as both teams exchanging leads throughout the first three-fourths of the contest. Concordia was unable to control the offense of the Defenders throughout the first half. Leading the strike for Dordt University was Garret Franken, who posted 12 points to lead all players in the first half. The Defenders would also combine for six threes, compared to only three from the Bulldogs. 

Franken would go on to lead the Defenders with a double-double performance, posting 20 points and 11 rebounds, as well as five assists. Zach Bussard shot almost perfect from the floor, only missing one shot all game in his 14-point performance. Chad Barkema shot a perfect 3-3 from behind the arc in his double-digit effort with 11 points. 

With a 49-39 edge early in the second half, the Defenders were close to putting the game out of reach. What Dordt was not prepared for was a Bulldogs team that came out of the tunnel with new-found determination. Concordia quickly answered, bringing the score to within one thanks to a quick 8-0 run. Carter Kent, who scored only five points in the first half, went off to score nine more and would give his team the lead with 14:33 to go. The two teams would exchange leads again, but in the end, Concordia would hold on to win, outscoring Dordt by 20 points in the second half.

The team, which shot 50.8% overall, was led by Kent, who outscored all players with his 25 points. Following Kent was Tanner Shuck with 17 points and Brevin Sloup with 16 points. Justin Wiersema kept the offense rolling with eight assists along with his seven points on the afternoon.

The Defenders(13-5) will next play on Wednesday against the Lancer of Mount Marty(14-3).

The Bulldogs(11-5) will travel to Hastings College for a Wednesday matchup with the Mustangs(9-9).