Athens, WV- Concord needed a spark towards the end of the season to get kicked started in WVIAC. The Mountain Lions would attempt to do just that as they welcomed in Wheeling Jesuit. A very strong first half propelled the Mountain Lions to a 96-89 win over Wheeling Jesuit.
In the first half, Concord played as well as any team in the conference could with a high powered offense and a stingy defense. Concord shot a blazing 52 percent from the floor, while making 6 three-points (67 percent), and 11 free throws (74 percent.)
Concord looked as a resurrected team from earlier in the season. Concord held the Cardinals to only 12 field goals (41 percent) and caused 7 turnovers. Concord lead as by as many as 19 points and took an impressive 17 point lead into halftime, as they led 47-30.
The second half Concord started out pushing their lead to as many as 20 points. However, the Cardinals began chipping away at the Mountain Lion lead. The Cardinals, with their pressing defense cut the lead to as many as 5 points with only 2 minutes to go.
However, their efforts were not enough as the Mountain Lions stayed strong. The second was an offensive outburst by both squads. The Cardinals scored an amazing 59 points but their efforts were not enough as Concord pushed right back with 49 points of their own.
Much like the game earlier in the week the outcome came down to foul shooting down the stretch. The Mountain Lions were poised and ready to take on the challenge. Concord shot 68 percent in the game going 32-47. The win breaks a 5 game losing streak for Concord. Concord pulled out the win against the pesky Wheeling Jesuit Cardinals 96-89.
Dannie Parker led the way for the Mountain Lions with 30 points and 9 rebounds. Matt Parker had 19 points (4-6 from long range). Anthony Lansdowne added 17 points and 4 assists.
Concord (7-11, WVIAC 2-9) will welcome in their toughest contest of the season into Athens in the #6 West Liberty State College on Saturday, February 2nd at 4:00pm.
