(Ann Arbor, MI) - Concordia men's basketball played host to rival Siena Heights on Wednesday night in WHAC play. The Cardinals jumped out to a quick start and weathered several runs by the Saints to claim a 65-61 win.
Jack Olis led the team with 20 points. Ray Washington-Battle finished second with 15 points along with a team-high of six rebounds.
Jack Olis scored the first eight Cardinal points as part of a 14-2 opening run. Wyatt Zepp and Jason Jergens added triples to complete the explosive opening run. CUAA maintained a 14-6 lead at the midway point of the first half.
Jason Jergens knocked down a jumpshot to a brief scoring drought. Jack Olis hit a triple and a jumper to continue his standout performance. Siena Heights was able to rally to take a 24-21 lead, but Jason Jergens tied the game back up with a 3-pointer. CUAA trailed 27-24 at halftime.
Colby Chapman drained two free throws to open the second half. Mark DeVries scored inside and Ray Washington-Battle made a quick drive to the basket. Matt Blanton made an offensive putback and Wyatt Zepp nailed back-to-back triples to tie the game 41-41 with 10:17 to play.
Ray Washington-Battle completed an "and-1" to give the Cardinals the lead. Luke Brohl knocked down a triple and two more layups from Ray Washington-Battle put CUAA ahead 51-41 after a 16-0 run. Siena Heights answered with a 14-1 run to reclaim the lead with 3:51 to play.
Ray Washington-Battle made a pair of jumpshots to put the Cardinals back in front. Jack Olis finished off a traditional "and-1" and was then fouled shooting a triple, making the shot and draining a free throw which fired up the bench. Colby Chapman made two free throws to seal the 65-61 victory.
Concordia will travel to Rochester Christian this Saturday, January 11th, to play a 3pm game.
