Briar Cliff jumps out early, cruises to 84-66 win over Concordia

Briar Cliff University jumped out to a big lead in the first half and cruised to an 84-66 women’s basketball win over Concordia University on Wednesday evening in Seward.  The Chargers scored the first 15 points of the game and never looked back as they improved to 18-10 overall and 11-5 in conference play.  Concordia dropped to 13-14 overall and 5-10 in the GPAC with the loss. 

The visiting Chargers led by as many as 21 on two separate occasions in the opening half.  Briar Cliff took a 43-28 lead into halftime.  The Chargers were 17-of-33 (51.5 percent) overall and 6-of-13 (46.2 percent) from deep, while Concordia struggled from the field at 8-of-27 (29.6 percent) overall and 1-of-11 (9.1 percent) from behind the arc in the opening 20 minutes. 

Concordia continued to battle in the second half.  After trailing by as many as 19, the Bulldogs managed to cut the lead to 10 (60-50) with eight minutes remaining in the contest.  The Chargers had an answer, however, and reclaimed a comfortable lead.  The Chargers led by as many as 23 down the stretch and settled for the 84-66 victory. 

The Bulldogs were 21-of-57 (36.8 percent) from the field in the loss.  Concordia was just 3-of-16 (18.8 percent) from long range but did hit 21-of-26 free throws for 80.8 percent.  Both teams struggled with turnovers, and the Bulldogs finished with 22 giveaways on the night. 

Kristin Miller (Jefferson City, Mo.), Treva Nutter (Thedford, Neb.) and Katie Rich (Tilden, Neb.) all scored 14 points to lead the way for Concordia.  Miller and Rich led the team with six rebounds, while Rich also added four steals on the night. 

Briar Cliff was 29-of-60 from the field on the night for 48.3 percent.  The Chargers were 8-of-23 (34.8 percent) from deep and 18-of-21 (85.7 percent) at the foul line.  BCU held a 38-35 rebounding advantage and totaled 19 assists on their 29 made field goals. 

Kylie Dilla led a balanced BCU scoring attack with 15 points.  Dilla also added a game-high seven rebounds.  Kelsey Evans chipped in with 14 points off the bench, while Megan Salcedo, Kela Cihak and Alex Grant all scored 10 for the Chargers. 

Concordia travels to Morningside College on Saturday.