Bulldogs force 37 turnovers in 79-34 rout of Tabor College

Concordia University dominated Tabor College from start to finish in a 79-34 women’s basketball win on Saturday afternoon in Seward.  The Bulldogs led 48-17 at half, and the Bulldog defense was the story.  Concordia forced 37 Tabor College turnovers, and the Bulldogs finished with 27 steals in the contest.  Concordia moved to 2-0 on the young season with the win.  Tabor slipped to 0-2. 

Tabor College was just 12-of-44 (27.3 percent) from the field in the loss.  The Jays managed just 18 field goal attempts in the first half compared to 46 for the Bulldogs.  Tabor was just 4-of-18 from deep for 22.2 percent.  Starting Tabor guard Tamara Lio finished with 13 turnovers by herself, as the Concordia press caused major problems all day.  No one reached double figures in scoring for Tabor.  Katlyn Mary finished with a team-high nine points, while Tynan Honn chipped in with eight. 

Concordia used its depth to wear down Tabor College.  The Bulldogs had 11 players play double-digit minutes, and three Bulldogs reached double figures in what was a balanced offensive attack.  Britney Birtell (Madison, Neb.) finished with a game-high 17 points with nine rebounds.  Birtell was 7-of-14 from the field and 3-of-4 from the free throw line in the win.  Kristen Conahan (Omaha, Neb.) added 15 points and five steals, while Katie Rich (Tilden, Neb.) poured in 10 points on 4-of-7 shooting from the field. 

“Our defense was great, especially in the first half,” remarked Bulldog head coach Drew Olson.  “We didn’t really settle on our rotation, so we kind of played in waves today.  It was a great team effort, though.  A lot of players stepped up and played well.  Once we settle in on our rotation, things should begin to click a little more.” 

The Bulldogs didn’t shoot it well, connecting on just 31-of-81 shot attempts for 38.3 percent.  Concordia also struggled from deep (7-of-30 for 23.3 percent), something Coach Olson hopes to improve.  “With our team, we are going to shoot a lot of 3-pointers,” remarked Olson.  “We want to do that, but we want to take better shots moving forward, and we need to knock down our open looks.” 

Concordia travels to College of St. Mary on November 8.  The Bulldogs then host the Cattle Classic Tournament in Seward on November 11 and 12.