Eagles electrify CU Arena with close comeback
Emily Duran
Box Score If any spectator or fan at Friday's basketball game was asked who the winner between Concordia and Cal State Los Angeles was without peeking up at the scoreboard, the favorite would have been CUI.
The team was unstoppable, the bench was ecstatic and the crowd completely invested in the Eagles play. And following the first three quarters, the 34 point fourth was truly something to celebrate.
Although the Eagles' fourth quarter quest to reclaim the game fell short by only five points, the Eagles proved they are a team not only with talent, but with fight.
The Golden Eagles of Los Angeles accumulated a seven point lead in the first quarter, fueled by a series of Concordia turnovers and missed scoring opportunities.
Concordia battled back, scoring ten points in the second, just one point less than Cal State LA.
In the first half, Concordia captured eight steals but was outshot by Los Angeles in all categories. In addition, Los Angeles went 7-8 at the free throw line and 45.8 percent from the field.
While Concordia was only behind 32-26 entering the third quarter, the small lead evolved into a large gap in score and play between the two teams. Los Angeles outscored Concordia 21-8 in those 10 minutes of play, commanding a 19 point lead.
With six minutes left to play, it was as if Concordia pressed the reset and refuel button. Down 22, Gabby Johnson's lay up from Judith Espinoza ignited the Eagle engine. Johnson added two more before Annie Studdert and Espinoza combined for four successful free throws to cut the lead to 16.
Zoe-Scott Goss generated more electricity for the Eagles on a steal quickly converted into two more.
Johnson kept her scoring streak alive with back to back lay ups for a 65-55 set back. The lead went down to single digits on two free throws from Espinoza and a jumper from Scott-Goss.
Concordia continued to chip away at Los Angeles, eventually only two points back. Unfortunately for Concordia, Los Angeles' 70.4 free throw percentage was enough for them to hold on to lead the final minute of the game.
Johnson and Scott-Goss led the Eagles with 13 points and two steals each. Portia Neale netted nine points, two assists and three steals.
Concordia, now 0-3 on the season, heads to Phoenix, Ariz. and looks to snag its first win of the year against Bethesda College on Nov. 25th.
