Concordia looks to end losing streak, visits DWU on Saturday

Concordia University looks to snap a 3-game losing skid when they travel to Dakota Wesleyan on Saturday.  Tip is scheduled for 8 p.m. at the Corn Palace in Mitchell, S.D. 

Since a 70-65 win over Nebraska Wesleyan, the Bulldogs have dropped three straight GPAC games (70-57 at Midland, 77-71 vs. Morningside, and 86-74 vs. Briar Cliff).  Concordia is 4-5 overall, and the Bulldogs are currently last in the GPAC standings with a 1-4 mark.  Offensively, Concordia currently ranks fifth in the GPAC with 75.1 points per game.  Defensively, the Bulldogs have struggled, allowing 73.5 points per game to rank ninth in the conference.  Three players average in double figures so far for the Bulldogs this season.  Junior post Porter Birtell (Madison, Neb.) averages 14.6 points per game, while junior college transfer Beau Smith (McKinney, Texas) is close behind with 14 points per game.  Freshman guard Joel Haywood (Lakewood, Colo.) has chipped in with 10.9 points per game. 

Dakota Wesleyan is 7-4 overall and 1-3 in GPAC play.  The Tigers are coming off an impressive 78-72 win over #19 Morningside College earlier this week.  DWU has conference losses to Briar Cliff (69-67), Dordt College (86-68) and Hastings (84-75) on the season.  The Tigers score 75.8 points per game while allowing 64.6.  DWU has been led by Mike Lee, who averages 14.6 points per game on the year.  Several other players average over eight points per game for the Tigers. 

There will be a live audio broadcast as well as live stats provided at the links above.  The Concordia men will host York College on December 16.  Tip is scheduled for 7 p.m. at the Walz Human Performance Complex.