Bulldogs Victorious Twice in Cattle Classic

by Jordan McCoy

On Friday, November 4, the Concordia men’s basketball team began their 2016-2017 season with a win 83-76 against Waldorf University.

Although the Bulldogs were ahead the entire game, Waldorf did not make it an easy game. In the last three minutes of the game, Waldorf began to pressure the Bulldogs and attempt to minimize the point deficit.  

With 36 seconds left, the Bulldogs were leading 81-74 and the Warriors put on the pressure. The Bulldogs were able to hold the Warriors to only two more points. Thanks to two free throws from freshman guard and forward Tanner Shuck, the Bulldogs ended the game with a score of 83-76.

Senior center Chandler Folkerts led the team with 28 points. Senior guard Eli Ziegler added 17 points for the Bulldogs.

The following day, the Bulldogs played against Oklahoma Wesleyan University. The Bulldogs triumphed over Oklahoma Wesleyan 100-89.

The Bulldogs’ new addition, sophomore guard Chris Johnstone topped the team with 23 points. Johnstone is originally from Sydney, Australia and transferred from Chaminade University of Honolulu. Ziegler added 20 points.

“I think defensively we played well, even though we gave up 89 points. I think we learned a lot from their full court press in the last seven minutes…we didn’t face that pressure at all in the first two games in Denver,” said Johnstone. “Offensively, we moved the ball well and our shot selection was solid. We only had three turnovers in the first half so moving forward throughout the season we’re trying to keep that number in both halves.”

Folkerts and Ziegler were both placed on the All-Cattle Classic Team.

Concordia is now 3-1 overall with the only loss coming from Johnson and Wales from their trip to Denver, CO. Next up, the Bulldogs will enter conference play with a road game traveling to Northwestern on Wednesday, Nov. 9. Tipoff is set for 8 p.m.