The Tiger men's basketball team saw an 11 point lead slow fade away on Wednesday evening as Concordia University rallied from behind to defeat Doane, 69-66. The Bulldogs, currently sitting atop the GPAC standings, hit 3-of-4 free throws in the final minute of the game to hold on for the win.
Doane never trailed in the first half, although the Bulldogs did tie the game on three occasions. With the score tied at 18-all with 12 minutes remaining, the Tigers finished out the half on a 21-10 run. Jens Scholl scored seven of his team-high 19 points in the stretch.
After exchanging baskets to open the half, Concordia went on an 18-6 run to take a one point lead, their first of the game. Doane responded with an 8-0 run, highlighted by back-to-back three-pointers from Scholl and Trent Schlautman.
The Tigers led by eight points with seven minutes remaining but Concordia wouldn't go away. The Bulldogs ended the game on a 21-10 run.
Doane placed three players in double-figures for the game. Joining Scholl was Schlautman and Zach Moult. Schlautman posted 14 points, hitting three shots from behind the arc. Moult added 10 points for Doane. Scholl posted a game-high eight rebounds.
Concordia received 20 points from Ryan Railey. Porter Birtell added 13 points and five rebounds, all on the offensive end. Tyler Byrd and Sam Huebner chipped in 12 points apiece.
The Bulldogs held a rebounding edge of 30-24 but the difference came on the offensive end where Concordia grabbed 18 offensive boards that led to 23 second chance points. Doane pulled in nine offensive rebounds that led to eight second chance points. Doane shot 57.8-percent from the floor compared to Concordia's 47.4-percent.