Bulldogs pull away in second half to defeat Jimmies

SEWARD, Neb.-- Concordia University outscored the University of Jamestown men's basketball team 22-11 to open the second half, turning a slim two-point halftime lead into a 13-point advantage Saturday, defeating the Jimmies 81-70.

The Bulldogs took a 15-5 lead early on but Jamestown went on a 15-4 run to go ahead 20-19 at the 10:48 mark. Three ties and four lead changes later, Concordia eventually led 38-32. Mason Walters (SO/Jamestown, ND) and Allante' Pickens (SR/Chicago, IL) both scored to close the half, cutting the deficit to two points.

In the second half, Concordia used a strong inside presence to gradually pull away. The Bulldogs made only three of 12 second-half three-point attempts, but shot 14-of-19 inside the arc, keeping the Jimmies at bay.

After falling behind by 13 points, UJ got as close as six after a Marc Kjos (SO/Lake City, MN) three-pointer made it 64-58. Concordia scored seven of the game's next eight points and rebuilt another double-digit lead.

Jamestown shot 56 percent in the first half but followed with an 11-for-26 effort in the final twenty minutes. Sixteen Jimmie turnovers led to a 20-15 edge for Concordia in points off turnovers.

Walters finished with a double-double of 22 points and 13 rebounds. Pickens (14) and Jack Talley (SR/Sioux Falls, SD) (12) combined for UJ's 26 bench points. Cole Woodford (FR/Redwood Falls, MN) was also in double figures with 10.

Gage Smith (22 points, nine rebounds) and Carter Kent (20 points) led Concordia (12-6, 9-4 GPAC).

Jamestown (12-4, 8-3 GPAC) is back in action Thursday at Dordt (Iowa) University. Game time is set for 8 p.m.