Athens, WV- Concord welcomed in the Wheeling Jesuit Lady Cardinals for a mid-week match-up at the Carter Center. Concord proved to be up for the contest as they handled the Lady Cardinals 57-41.
Concord's Becca Flanagan came out in the first half on fire as she scored the first 9 points from the field for the Lady Lions. However, early foul trouble for Flanagan caused her to have to sit on the bench for most of the first.
As Becca had to take a sit so did Concord's offense as they only scored 15 more points after the 16th minute mark in the first half. The Lady Lions, despite offensive struggles controlled the floor on the defensive end holding the Lady Cardinals to a 30 percent shooting average. Concord took the slight edge into half with a score of 27-26.
The Lady Cardinals began the second half finishing off when the left the first. The Lady Cardinals went on 15-0 run to take a 35-28 lead. At this point the light bulb came on for the Lady Lions.
Concord exploded over the next 10 minutes going on an 18-0 run and finishing the game on a 29-6 run. Concord's defense was right where they needed it to be as they held the Lady Cardinals to a dismal 5 field goals in the second half (12 in the game) and only 23 percent from the floor (26 percent for the game.)
Concord shot an identical 40 percent in both halves as they produced a steady offense. Combining that offense with an incredible defense, Concord comfortably defeated the Lady Cardinals, 57-41.
Becca Flanagan, who only played 18 minutes due to foul trouble, had an outstanding game as she led the Lady Lions in scoring with 15 points and pulling down 5 rebounds. Jamie Cluesman had another outstanding game for the Lady Lions with 6 points, 9 rebounds, 6 assists, 2 blocks, and 2 steals. Amber Showalter ended the night with 6 points and 12 rebounds.
Concord (13-4, WVIAC 9-2) will be back in action at the Carter Center on Saturday, January 2nd 2008. The Lady Lions will be playing the West Liberty State College Lady Hilltoppers in a WVIAC showdown. Tip-off is scheduled for 2:00pm.
