BELTON, Texas – The Edgewood College men's basketball team headed down south in hopes of catching fire in the warmer weather. The Eagles shot 51.0 percent, but could not overcome Concordia University Texas' pressure and committed a season-high 31 turnovers in a 78-66 loss to the Tornados.
Edgewood College (2-10) hit three of their first four shots to grab a two-point lead at the 14:48 mark of the first half. Concordia Texas (6-2) responded and the two teams traded baskets back and forth until the Tornados really put the pressure on with just over seven minutes remaining. Leading by a pair, Concordia Texas went on a 17-3 run and forced five turnovers as they built their lead to 15 with just over two minutes to play in the half. Edgewood College could not escape the Tornados' press and only managed six more points in the half, four of which came by Jake Heuer.
Despite the 13 point deficit at the break, the Eagles were determined to shoot themselves back into the game. Trevor Nealebegan the half with a bucket while Cashton Craig and Michael Janusek hit back to back triples to bring Edgewood College within five. Despite holding Concordia Texas to 33.3 percent shooting in the half, the 45-40 score was as close as the Eagles would come the rest of the game. Edgewood College turned the ball over 17 times after the break and the Tornados hit 14 of 18 free throws in the half to ice the contest and take the game 78-66.
Led by Brett Meinecke's six assists, the Eagles dished out 17 contributions, which matched their season-high. Edgewood College improved their defense in the second half, only allowing the Tornados' to shoot 33.3 percent compared to 48.6 in the first, but could not overcome the 31 turnovers.
Tal Diekvoss and Neale each scored career highs with 16 and 12, respectively as the Eagles' bench poured in 39 points. Neale was 7-for-9 from the field while Diekvoss hit four of his eight triples. Craig and Joe Klocek each chipped in nine to lead the starters.
The Eagles will complete their Texas road trip tomorrow as they face the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor. Tipoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. at the Mayborn Center. Live stats and live video will be available with links available onEdgewoodCollegeEagles.com.