MOORHEAD, Minn. (12/10/11)-- Concordia started slowly and could never recover as they lost 80-66 to Hamline in Moorhead on Saturday. The Cobbers fell behind 11-2 in the first 3 minutes and then trailed by as many as 17 points in the first half before falling for the second time in the last four games. 

CC is now 3-5 overall and 2-2 in the league. The Pipers win for the second straight game and move to 3-4 in all games and 2-2 in conference play.

Concordia shot 43.1% (22-for-51) from the floor and 53.3% (8-for-15) from outside the arc but connected on just 63.6% (14-for-22) of their free throw attempts. CC also committed 19 turnovers and was outrebounded 32-29. Hamline had similar shooting numbers that were opposite of the Cobbers. The Pipers shot 53.6% (30-for-56) from the floor and 47.1% (8-for-17) from 3-point range.  The eight made field goal attempts proved to be the statistical difference in the game between the two teams.

Despite the slow start and 14-point halftime deficit, Concordia had a chance to get to within six points several times in the second period. Unfortunately for the Cobbers each time they tried to get close, Hamline's defensive pressure would force a turnover or not allow an uncontested shot. CC's last attempt at getting within striking distance came with 7:38 to play. Trailing by eight at 59-51, Concordia missed the chance at a defensive rebound and then watched HU connect on a pair of 3-point field goals which led to a 12-4 run.

Cobber junior guard Dewon McKenzie was 3-for-5 from 3-point range and finished with a game-high 19 points. It is the second time in the past three games he has led the team in scoring. With his 19-point outburst he now leads the team in scoring for the season with a 12.6 points per game average. Brady Baildon added a career-high 10 points and Johnathon Molina came away with five assists.   

Hamline had five players with nine or more points. Dior Ford was 7-for-8 from the free throw line and finished with a team-high 17 points. He also pulled down 11 rebounds. Mike Campbell 13 points and Christian Taber added 11 on a 3-for-5 shooting afternoon from behind the arc.

Concordia will now take a break for the Christmas holiday and then return to action on Thursday, Dec. 29. When they host St. Scholastica at 7 p.m.