Men’s Basketball Wins Third Overtime Game of Season

by Jacy Johnston

The (RV) Concordia men’s basketball team seems to have an appetite for close games as the Bulldogs won their third overtime game of the season against the Dordt Defenders 100-95 at Walz Arena on Wednesday, Dec. 9.

The tough and physical contest did not allow for a quick lead for either team. Early foul trouble for Bulldog junior Chandler Folkerts sidelined him from play only a few minutes into action. The Defenders increased their tempo and soon gained a slim lead. Midway through the first quarter, the Bulldogs trailed 22-20. Concordia gained the lead back 29-28 with 6:00 minutes until the break on a layup by Folkerts. At halftime, the Bulldogs led the Defenders 42-38.

To start the second half, the Bulldogs gained early momentum and led 47-39 early. However, the Defenders quickly fought back and tied the game at 64 with 8:27 to go in the contest. Senior Jamie Pearson helped the Bulldogs stay in the game with an offensive 3-point show. After an intentional foul that led to an injury for the Defenders, Folkerts went to the line to give the Bulldogs a 79-75 lead with under 2:30 to play. With 30 seconds to play, both teams had 83 points on the board. This tie took the game into overtime.

The Bulldogs turned to free throws for their main offensive threat in overtime. Despite the hot-handed Defenders, the Bulldogs prevailed 100-95 in the end.

Pearson led the Bulldogs with 36 points, shooting a lights-out 6-7 from the 3-point line and going 8-8 from the foul line. Folkerts contributed another 23 points while senior Robby Thomas netted 15 points. From the free throw line, the Bulldogs connected 29 times, shooting 78 percent.

Concordia now stands at 3-3 in the GPAC and 7-3 overall. On Saturday, Dec.12, the Bulldogs will play Mount Marty College at 4 p.m.