MEQUON, Wis. – The Concordia Wisconsin men's basketball team was edged by St. Norbert in a tightly contested matchup to open the second half of the season. The Falcons fall to 5-8 overall and 3-3 in NACC play.
 
The afternoon also held special significance for the Concordia Wisconsin community. During halftime, the Falcons hosted a Special Olympics game featuring the local Ozaukee County team. Prior to tip-off, CUW also recognized Mel's Charities for its ongoing work with the special needs community.


The two teams traded baskets throughout the first half, entering the break tied at 36-36. CUW gained momentum midway through the second half with a 10-0 run. Junior Casey Verhagen (Sheyboygan, Wis.) fueled the stretch with eight points, knocking down a pair of three-pointers, while Verhagen and junior Severin Hilt (West Bend, Wis.) combined to go perfect from the free-throw line to cap the run.
 
Over the next two minutes, junior Javanni Blackman (Milwaukee, Wis.) scored nine points as the Falcons outscored the Green Knights 9-7 during the span.
 
With six minutes remaining, Concordia held an 11-point advantage, but St. Norbert rallied late. A layup by the Green Knights with two seconds remaining gave the visitors the lead, leaving the Falcons without enough time to respond.
 
Despite the loss, CUW led for 56.5 percent of the contest, compared to 30.3 percent for St. Norbert.
 
Verhagen logged 39 minutes and led the Falcons with 21 points on 8-of-18 shooting. The Sheboygan, Wis. native also paced the team with six assists.
 
Blackman and senior Logan Landers (Cedarburg, Wis.) also reached double figures with 16 and 14 points, respectively. Landers led the Falcons on the glass with nine rebounds, while sophomore Luke Eggemeyer (Perryville, Mo.) and freshman JD Davison (Madison, Wis.) added seven rebounds apiece.
 
Concordia heads on the road for its next contest, traveling to Lisle, Ill., to face Benedictine on Wednesday. Tip-off is scheduled for 7 p.m. at the Dan and Ada Rice Center.