MOORHEAD — The Women’s basketball team defeated the nationally ranked Gustavus Adolphus women’s basketball team 73-65 in a rematch that would prove to be challenging for both teams on Wednesday, Feb. 7
“We knew it was gonna be very physical. They’re a very physical team, a very talented team and top ten in the country. Their rebounding is something that we’re really concise about. We definitely played really physically to match their intensity.” said Concordia’s Head Coach Kim Wagers.
Within the opening minutes, both teams made their intentions known. First Gustavus possession, junior Forward Makayla Anderson explodes from high post intercepting a pass taking it coast to coast. The Gusties responded next possession as senior Guard Emma Kniefel hit a quick midrange step back off the screen. Despite their physical reputation inside the post, Gustavus remains a consistent outside threat as well.
The first and second quarters of play remained close in score with neither team able to break free. Both teams would play tight man-to-man defense relying on quick transition layups and second-chance points. However, it became clear that the true battle was in the rebounding, according to Wagers.
“We knew if we could rebound, that we’d be able to get off and run in transition at home. So we have to guard and rebound and we’ll be fine offensively.” Wagers said.
The last time Concordia faced Gustavus was after Christmas break where the Cobbers would fall to a 12-point Gustavus comeback. A loss Coach Wagers feels was due to a lack of rebounding.
“We were up 12 at halftime, and then got outrebounded in the second half. And so we knew that we could go to play with them being up 12, but at halftime we just took our foot off the gas a little bit.” Wagers said.
Going into the second half tied at 33, both teams looked to make strong leads. Unfortunately for the Gusties, a steal by senior Guard Jordyn Kahler followed by an And-1 finish would give the Cobbers a six-point lead to build off of. Despite bringing the score back within seven the Cobbers refused to fall short to another Gustavus comeback closing out the game 73-65
“It’s more so the name Gustavus that scares people when they play th,em. I think you just have to get over that and just show him who’s better, which coach said, you can be the better team any day, but you just have to play better than them. Senior Guard, Emily Beseman said.
Before that match, The Gustavus women’s team held a 12-game winning streak and remained undefeated in the conference before traveling to Concordia. The women’s basketball team is now 16-2 in the conference and 17-4 overall.
