No. 12 Concordia Women’s Basketball Uses Fourth Quarter to Pull Away from Prairie Wolves

by Jacy Johnston

The No. 12 Concordia women’s basketball team came back from a dismal third quarter to run away with a 65-51 win over Nebraska Wesleyan. The Bulldogs hold an 18-6 overall record and 11-6 in the conference.

The game started out as close as the two colleges are geographically. Halfway through the first quarter, Nebraska Wesleyan led 12-10. The Prairie Wolves extended their lead to 19-13 with the clock winding down in the first quarter. Concordia’s outside shooting came in clutch with sophomore Brenleigh Daum closing the gap. Junior Aubri Bro sank a 3-pointer that gave the Bulldogs a 20-19 at the end of the first quarter.

Daum began the offense for the Bulldogs in the second quarter with another 3-pointer. Despite Nebraska Wesleyan tying up the score at 27 with four minutes to go, the Bulldogs relied on freshman Quinn Wragge and senior Jenna Lehmann to gain a 33-27 halftime advantage.

Concordia struggled in the third quarter, and Nebraska Wesleyan outscored the Bulldogs 16-8. After three quarters, Nebraska Wesleyan led 43-41.

In fourth quarter, Daum solidified the lead for the Bulldogs with a 3-pointer, followed by a basket and a made free throw. Concordia soon led 56-47 with three and half minutes to play. With the Bulldogs in the bonus, Wragge started the foul shots off right by sinking two. The Prairie Wolves could not make up the deficit and Concordia finished the victory.

Daum led Concordia with 16 points, while Wragge added another 14 points. Senior Becky Mueller had a double-double with 11 points and 11 rebounds.

Concordia has a quick turnaround and will play at 6 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 4 in a make-up game against Grace University. The Bulldogs will then travel on Feb. 6 to take on GPAC foe Morningside College in Sioux City, Iowa.