PORTLAND, Ore. – As a member of the CCC, Concordia University was always a tough nut to crack for the Beacons. After a move to NCAA Division II the Cavaliers remain a worthy adversary who defeated the Beacons on Saturday night, 71-65.
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The Cavaliers (1-2) grabbed their first win of the season, shooting 49 percent while holding the Beacons (5-2) to 39 percent. NCU out-rebounded Concordia 39-31 but had 16 turnovers and shot just 7-for-26 from three-point range.
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Concordia led the game wire-to-wire, but the Beacons were never too far behind. CU grabbed their biggest lead of the night with a 60-49 advantage at the ten minute mark of the second half, but NCU rallied, using a 14-6 run to climb back within three points with under two and a half minutes remaining.
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The Beacons were still just one possession away from the Cavaliers with under a minute to play but a Davis Nuaimi jumper with 18 seconds to play sealed the deal for the home team.
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NCU had four players in double-figures, led by
Jack Hackman and
Javonte Byrd with 14 points apiece. Byrd added sir rebounds and a game-high three steals.
Omar Richards added 13 points and three assists while
Austin Kuemper (pictured) scored 12 points, had two blocks, and led the Beacons with eight boards.
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Concordia was led by Latrell Wilson who had 15 points on 4-for-6 shooting from three-point range. Riley Hawken collected a double-double with 13 points and 11 rebounds, Drew Martin scored 13 and Nuiami added 12 points and a team-high three assists.
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Currently in the midst of a ten-game road trip, including Division I exhibitions, the Beacons will remain the visitors this weekend as they head to Canada for a pair of games against Vancouver Island University. NCU will make the trek over the Thanksgiving weekend, playing Saturday at 6 pm and Sunday at 12:00 pm.Â
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