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Concordia University Chicago overcomes Concordia University Texas in The Rudinos Holiday Classic

The Concordia Texas Lady Tornados (4-4 overall) were unable to hold off Concordia Chicago (3-4 overall) Tuesday evening as they fell to the Cougars by a score of 59-55 in the Rudino’s Holiday Classic at Concordia Fieldhouse in Austin.

The Tornados hustled their way to a 22-14 lead with just over 12 minutes to go in the first half. The Cougars responded with a 14-0 run that was finished off with five straight points by Melissa Schwab.

The lead was short lived as the Tornados moved back out in front on a Brianna Smith jumper that left the score at 24-23. The Cougars came right back and took the lead once again when Natalie Ross came up with a steal and a lay up. Concordia Chicago closed out the first half on a 9-5 run to take a 34-29 lead into the locker room.

The Cougars came out early in the second half and got off to a fast start and then later went on a 10-4 run to take a 44-33 lead with 11:38 to go in the game. The Tornados fought their way back and cut the lead down to 46-44 when Brianna Smith hit a jumper with under five minutes remaining in the game.

That was as close as the Tornados would get down the stretch as the Cougars went 7-of-8 from the free throw line over the last minute of the game to come away with the 59-55 win.

Jennifer Merman and Brianna Smith each scored 11 points for Concordia Texas. Smith also had a good night rebounding the ball as she finished with nine boards on the night.

Kim Williams and Marche Smith each contributed 16 points for Concordia Chicago.