MEQUON, Wis. – The Concordia University Wisconsin men's basketball team continued its strong play in Florida, securing an 81-61 victory over the 7-2 Lasers of Lasell. With this win, the Falcons completed an undefeated trip to Florida for the first time since the 2012-13 season, having previously defeated Mount Saint Vincent in their opening game before facing Bates in 2012-13 and Lasell this year.
After a competitive opening five minutes, CUW began to pull away. Junior Logan Landers (Cedarburg, Wis.) scored four consecutive points, including two free throws and a tough fadeaway jumper along the baseline, giving the Falcons a 15-12 lead, which they would hold for the remainder of the game.
Concordia extended its lead to eight points at 24-16, fueled by free throws and a three-pointer from senior Zach Leahy (West Dundee, Ill.). At the 5:15 mark of the first half, the Falcons maintained an eight-point advantage as Landers added a three-pointer, bringing his first-half total to 17 points.
At the break, Concordia led 34-24.
The second half saw both teams exchange baskets early on. However, CUW sophomore Severin Hilt (West Bend, Wis.) ignited the Falcons' offense, hitting two three-pointers in quick succession to preserve a double-digit lead. Hilt continued his strong play, knocking down two more triples at 15:38 and 14:02, pushing the Falcons' lead to 54-36.
Concordia maintained its momentum throughout the second half. Landers added another midrange jumper with just under six minutes remaining, while layups from freshman Luke Eggemeyer (Perryville, Mo.) and Leahy extended the lead to 20 points. Senior Adam Bruins (Oak Creek, Wis.) capped the Falcons' strong finish, hitting a three-pointer off a pass from junior Will Bauer (New Berlin, Wis.) to give CUW a 23-point advantage.
The Falcons closed out the 81-61 win, marking their first back-to-back victories with 80 or more points since the 2022-23 season.
"I am very proud of the effort we showed on this trip," said head coach Shawn Cassidy. "Tonight was an outstanding defensive performance, especially given the short turnaround to prepare against another quality opponent in Lasell. Coach Mueller had us well prepared for what we were going to face. On the offensive end, Logan Landers was dominant in the paint, and Severin Hilt gave us a huge lift to start the second half and help extend our lead."
As a team, Concordia posted better field goal and free throw percentages, committed fewer turnovers, and outscored Lasell in bench points. The Falcons tied their season-high for three-pointers made with nine, shooting 47.4 percent (9-of-19) from beyond the arc.
Defensively, CUW recorded a season-low 12 fouls and a season-high 11 steals.
Landers led all scorers with a career-high 27 points, adding nine rebounds, two steals, and two blocks. Hilt contributed significantly, hitting four of five three-point attempts to set a career high with 12 points. Leahy also had a strong outing, tying his career-high of 13 points, matching his total from earlier in the season against Wheaton. Sophomore Casey Verhagen (Sheboygan, Wis.) became the first Falcon of the year to record seven or more assists, finishing with seven.
Concordia will take a brief break for Christmas before returning to conference play on December 31, when they host Concordia Chicago at the R. John Buuck Fieldhouse.
