Box Score: CUNE 98, CUW 58

RIVER FOREST, Ill. -- Talented Concordia University Nebraska showed why their No. 5 NAIA National Ranking is deserved as the Nebraskans handed Concordia University Wisconsin a 98-58 defeat in the semifinal of the Concordia Invitational Tournament on Friday afternoon inside Geisman Gymnasium.

CUW trailed 14-13 six minutes into the contest before the tall and speedy Bulldogs went on a 10-0 run and continued to pull away via 57 percent from the field, and a 42-25 overall rebounding advantage.

"When our posts went to the bench with their second fouls, we could not compete inside," explained head coach Stacey Brunner-Jones.

All 13 CUNE players were in the scoring column and its only team weakness appeared to be a tendency to foul.

That allowed Brunner-Jones' squad to shoot 32 free throws, but the usually effective Falcons were successful on just 17-of-32 attempts, including misses on the front end of several bonus tosses.

"They are just that good,"said Brunner-Jones. "We tried to take away the lanes and they hit 9-of-19 from long range. With so much team size, it is amazing how they all can get out and run. You can't simulate that level of athleticism in practice."

The Falcons found themselves down 54-29 by the break, before rallying to within 70-49. From that point the Bulldeogs' deep bench was just too much for CUW (12-7).

Sophomore Katie Luethe (Oshkosh, Wis.) and senior Kendall Kerns (Stoughton, Wis.) scored 13 points apiece for CUW.

Kristen Conohan paced CUNE with 15 points.

Brunner-Jones' team will play Concordia University Chicago at 12 p.m. in the CIT consolation matchup.

"We will watch that game and attempt to refocus for tomorrow," said the Falcon mentor.