Golden Bear Men Start Strong, Outlast UW-Parkside on the Road

SOMERS, Wis. - The Concordia University men's basketball team opened the 2010-11 season with a victory, defeating Wisconsin-Parkside 69-64 on the road at DeSimone Gymnasium. Four players scored in double-figures and seven of Concordia's eight players scored at least seven points in the well-balanced team victory. BOX SCORE

The Golden Bears started off hot, with senior Andrew Kuderer (Eden Prairie, Minn.) knocking down a three-pointer on Concordia's first possession. Sophomore Isaiah Thomas (Fridley, Minn.) delivered a three-pointer a little over three minutes later and knocked down a jumper on their next possession for an early 8-2 lead.

A few minutes later, senior Courtney Tyler (Eagan, Minn.) delivered Concordia's third three-pointer and fourth made jumper out of their first five baskets for a 13-8 lead. Their only non-jumper early was a layup by senior post Dan Vandervieren (Eden Prairie, Minn.).

It's an interesting start to the season considering head coach Kelly Boe indicated in a preseason interview that the team will look to rely less on their perimeter shooting throughout the season.

But he also emphasized being a balanced team, with ability to be flexible in any situation based on match-ups and who has the hot hand.

So the strong start from the outside was encouraging, but it was not a trend that stuck throughout the game.

After the three early three-pointers, Concordia finished the day 4-12 from long range while outscoring UWP in the paint by four, 30-26, and getting to the foul line an impressive 27 times, making 15.

They never trailed in the game and led by as many as 17 points early in the second half.

But UW-Parkside was able to chip away at the deficit, coming back to cut it to one point, 59-58 with 3:24 to play in the game.

But on the ensuing possession, Concordia junior Kenny Olafeso (St. Paul, Minn.) missed a layup, grabbed his own rebound to keep the possession alive for his brother, Peter Olafeso (St. Paul, Minn.) who knocked down a three-pointer.

The Rangers would never trim the margin under four again down the stretch as Concordia held on for the win.

P.Olafeso led CU with 14 points on 6-11 shooting while tying for the team-high with five rebounds and producing a team-best three assists. K.Olafeso scored 12, junior Brent Barz (Johnston, Iowa) added 11 and Tyler scored 10 off the bench.

Concordia's bench, while thin on the afternoon as CU went three deep on the bench, outscored the Ranger bench 18-8 with Tyler's 10 points and Vandervieren adding eight.

UW-Parkside was led by Leneal Harris' game-high 16 points.

Concordia shot 58.1% for the game (25-43) while holding UWP to 43.6% (24-55) shooting.

But the perimeter defense was successful in holding the Rangers to a low 21.7% three-point shooting percentage in their home gym while they jacked up 23 attempts.

Concordia gets back in action next Tuesday, November 16 at 7:30 p.m. for their home opener against St. Thomas at Gangelhoff Center.