(RV) Men’s Basketball Loses at Buzzer to Nebraska Wesleyan
by Jacy Johnston
The (RV) Concordia men’s basketball team looked to improve upon its 6-1 record on Dec. 2 against the Nebraska Wesleyan Prairie Wolves. However, on a last-second buzzer beater, the hopes of the Bulldogs were shattered, and the Bulldogs lost 88-89.
The Bulldogs gained early momentum when junior Eli Ziegler knocked down two 3-pointers. Concordia created a 19-11 lead midway through the first half. After a 10-2 run, Nebraska Wesleyan knotted the game at 21-21 with 7:13 remaining in the first half. At halftime, the Prairie Wolves led 37-36.
After the break, the Bulldogs once again controlled the early part of the second half. Senior Jamie Pearson gave Concordia its biggest lead, 63-53, after draining a 3-point bucket.
The lead quickly dwindled, and with 17.4 seconds to go, the Bulldogs led 85-83. After a Nebraska Wesleyan foul, Pearson extended the lead to four from the free throw line. With 10 seconds to play, it was Ziegler’s turn to head to the foul line, and after he went one-for-two, the Bulldogs led 88-86.
Nebraska Wesleyan used the last 10 seconds to drive the length of the court and for a game-winning 3-pointer.
Pearson led the way for Concordia and tallied 36 points. Both junior Chandler Folkerts and Ziegler scored 14 points. Senior Robby Thomas dominated the boards for the Bulldogs and picked up 22 rebounds.
The Bulldogs now stand at 2-2 in GPAC play and 6-2 overall. Concordia will continue its season by traveling to Mitchell, South Dakota. to play Dakota Wesleyan University at 4 p.m. on Dec. 5.
