RIVER FOREST, ILL. --- Basketball returned to Geisman Gymnasium for this first time during the 2022-23 season. The Concordia University Chicago Cougars () hosted the Knox College Prairie Fire () in a non-conference matchup. The Cougars grabbed an early lead and never let the Prairie Fire have a chance, as CUC won 97-65.
Inside the Box Score
- Jordan Matthews led all scorers with 21 points. Other double-digit scorers include Emanuel Wilson (14), William Bishop-Green (13), and Brent Hatten (10).
- Jacob Collicott and William Bishop-Green tied for a team best five rebounds.
- CUC tallied 20 assists in the game.
- The Cougars scored 30 fast break points.
- Number of the night – 12: There was one 12 seconds in the game that the Cougars didn't lead the Prairie Fire.
The Cougars wasted no time in putting the pressure on the Prairie Fire. Brent Hatten knocked down his first three pointer of the game. Emanuel Wilson followed with a jumper, another Hatten three, and an easy layup from Jordan Matthews off an inbound pass gave CUC a 10-0 lead only 1:24 into the first half.
Elijah White made an immediate in his second collegiate game. The freshman came off the bench in the middle of the half and started his night with a bucket in the paint off a turnover. White scored two more times immediately after, while sinking his first three. CUC led 23-8 with under 13 minutes to play in the half.
THREEEE for Elijah White! pic.twitter.com/5suZD0heS1
— CUC Men's Basketball (@cuc_menhoops) November 12, 2022
Senior Jordan Matthews shined in the first half finishing with 15 points. Matthews finished the half 7 for 12 from the court. Wilson finished with 12 in the half as well, as CUC went into the locker room up 54-26.
Jordan Matthews doing what he does best... shootin' THREEs pic.twitter.com/XjnR5uC2g3
— CUC Men's Basketball (@cuc_menhoops) November 12, 2022
The Cougars continued to create distance between themselves and the Prairie Fire in the second half. William Bishop-Green exploded for seven points in the half and finished with 13. He showed off his athleticism with the Euro-step on multiple drives to the hoop.
Yeah you thought... Bishop-Green got moves!!! pic.twitter.com/TzpNaSFFda
— CUC Men's Basketball (@cuc_menhoops) November 12, 2022
No, this is not deja vu... BG does it AGAIN! pic.twitter.com/KVIfoIzmQ0
— CUC Men's Basketball (@cuc_menhoops) November 12, 2022
CUC's defensive efforts stalled Knox's offense all night. The Cougars forced 34 turnovers and scored 43 points off turnovers. The Cougars' bench also stepped up with 39 points. The Cougars cruised to the final buzzer winning 97-65.
The Cougars hit the road for their first conference matchup of the season on Nov. 15 against Concordia University Wisconsin. Tipoff from Buuck Fieldhouse is scheduled for 7 p.m. Coverage of the game and everything CUC men's basketball can be found at cucougars.com.