FOND DU LAC, Wis. – The Concordia Wisconsin men's basketball team opened Northern Athletics Collegiate Conference play with a 66-61 road victory at Marian on Wednesday evening. The win marks the Falcons' first triumph in a conference opener since the 2023-24 campaign.
 
CUW trailed 34-27 at halftime but responded with renewed energy out of the break. Midway through the second half, the Falcons sparked a pivotal 9-0 run over just more than two minutes to erase the deficit. Junior Casey Verhagen (Sheboygan, Wis.) converted back-to-back layups to pull CUW even at 45-45, the first tie of the night. Moments later, junior Jacob Christjohn (Milwaukee, Wis.) knocked down a three-pointer to give the Royal Blue and Grey their first lead.
 
The teams continued to trade baskets deep into the half before CUW delivered the decisive punch. With under three minutes remaining, junior Severin Hilt (West Bend, Wis.) and Verhagen hit consecutive threes to put the Falcons in control. CUW's defense then locked in, avoiding any fouls in the final two minutes to secure the come-from-behind win.
 
Verhagen led all scorers with 23 points on 50 percent shooting while adding a team-high three steals.
 
Senior Logan Landers (Cedarburg, Wis.) recorded his fifth straight double-double and the 14th of his career, finishing with 19 points and 12 rebounds. He now ranks second in program history in career double-doubles, sitting just seven shy of the all-time record.
 
Hilt also reached double figures, matching his career high with 14 points.
 
The Falcons return home to R. John Buuck Field House for a two-game homestand, beginning Saturday, Dec. 6, against MSOE at 1 p.m. CUW then hosts Edgewood on Monday, Dec. 8, at 7 p.m.