SAINT PETER, Minn. – The Gustavus men’s basketball team shot a pedestrian 25 percent in the second half Wednesday against Concordia, resulting in a 61-57 loss to split the season series. The Gusties drop to 9-14 overall and 9-9 in the MIAC, while the Cobbers improve to 9-13 overall and 7-10 in the league.
After eight lead changes in the opening eight minutes, a Wyatt Olson (So., Saint Peter) layup sparked a 19-6 run for the Gusties’ largest lead of the game at 30-18 with 4:16 on the clock. The momentum quickly shifted to the Cobbers as they closed the half on a 13-3 run. Gustavus led 33-31 at the break.
Evan Wieker (Jr., St. Michael) increased the lead to 44-38 at the 15:51 mark of the second, but then the Gusties went ice cold, making just one of their next 15 shots during a 10-minute span as the Cobbers gained a 54-47 advantage. Gustavus cut the deficit to one point in the next minute of play, but the Cobbers maintained the lead the rest of the way to hold on for the win.
The Gusties shot a season-low 31.3 percent from the floor while the Cobbers converted at 43.6 percent. Gustavus won the rebound battle 40-34 but turned the ball over 13 times. Adam Biewen (Jr., Golden Valley) led the team with 13 points and a career-high 13 rebounds.
Gustavus, currently fifth in the MIAC standings, has Saturday off and then returns to Gus Young Court next Wednesday against Hamline.