PLATTEVILLE, Wis. – The Concordia University Wisconsin men's basketball team opened its 2026-27 campaign in impressive fashion Friday evening, earning a 95-83 victory over North Park University at Bo Ryan Court. The Falcons used a balanced offensive attack, strong work on the glass and a productive second half to secure their first win of the season.
Luke Eggemeyer led the Falcons with a dominant double-double, finishing with 25 points and 16 rebounds. Severin Hilt added 17 points, while Casey Verhagen scored 15 points and dished out eight assists.
First Half
The Falcons came out ready to compete, trading baskets with North Park throughout the opening minutes. Eggemeyer established himself early, creating opportunities around the basket and capitalizing on second-chance opportunities to keep the Falcons within striking distance.
Concordia Wisconsin found its rhythm from beyond the arc as Javanni Blackman connected on an early three-pointer. Eggemeyer followed with a triple of his own, while Hilt added another three to help the Falcons keep pace with the Vikings.
North Park began to build momentum midway through the half consistently finding opportunities in the paint. The Vikings eventually created separation, but the Falcons continued to battle back.
A strong stretch late in the half helped CUW regain control. Jack Waala knocked down a three-pointer; Hilt converted a pair of free throws, and Eggemeyer continued to produce inside. The Falcons finished the opening 20 minutes with a 45-41 advantage.
Second Half
Concordia Wisconsin carried its momentum into the second half, using its offensive depth to maintain control of the contest. The Falcons pushed their advantage into double figures behind contributions from multiple players.
Eggemeyer continued his dominant performance in the paint, while Hilt provided another offensive spark. Ethan Ash added valuable production around the basket, finishing through contact and creating opportunities for the Falcons.
The Falcons maintained their offensive efficiency, moving the ball effectively and finding open looks. Verhagen helped direct the offense, while Blackman provided another scoring option from the perimeter.
North Park attempted to make a late push. However, Concordia Wisconsin answered each challenge. Blackman connected on a late three-pointer, and Ash put an exclamation point on the performance with a dunk in the closing seconds.
The Falcons outscored North Park 50-42 in the second half to secure the 95-83 season-opening victory.
Scoring Highlights
Eggemeyer led the Falcons with 25 points, 16 rebounds, and two assists. Hilt recorded 17 points, six rebounds and four assists while shooting 3-of-5 from three-point range. Verhagen put up 15 points and eight assists.
Concordia Wisconsin finished with 49 rebounds and 25 assists while knocking down 10 three-pointers. The Falcons also had five players reach double figures in scoring.
Up Next
The Falcons will return to action Saturday, November 14 for game two of the Gabe Miller Tip-Off Classic, facing Wis.-Platteville at 5 p.m.
