News Release

RIVER FOREST, Ill. — The Concordia University, River Forest, Ill., men's basketball team let a late lead slip away as Marian (WI) College spoiled the Dec. 8 home opener with a 56-55 victory. The Cougars led 51-39 with 6:25 remaining, but Marian’s Jake Harmsen would hit three treys down the stretch to bring the Sabres back. Harmsen’s three with 1:05 remaining gave the visitors 56-53 before two free throws by Woodruff with 42 ticks left cut the margin to one. A turnover with 21 seconds remaining gave Concordia a final chance at the win, but Andre Smith’s jumper from the side was off the mark as time expired. Although shooting percentages were virtually identical, Marian shot 6-13 (.462) from behind the arc during the second half. Meanwhile, the Cougars missed chances to hold on to a big lead by shooting an abysmal 4-11 (.364) at the foul line. Harmsen led all scorers with 20 points while Bobby Smith’s 13 paced the Cougars.