By Jadon Frank

Briercrest men’s basketball tasted defeat for the first time in the 2012-13 season in a 95-77 loss to Concordia University College Thunder on Saturday night.

Briercrest came out strong offensively in the first quarter building up a slight 29-28 lead, but Concordia clamped down on defense for the next two quarters holding Briercrest to the two lowest scoring quarters of the year with 12 and 15 points in the second and third quarters respectively and find themselves down 67-56. Briercrest were able to put in more points in the fourth quarter, but were unable to contain Concordia and fell 95-77 after 40 minutes.

Head coach Rod Adrian was able to put perspective on the loss.

“Our first regular season loss comes at the end of a long road trip which included two consecutive weekends adventuring into Northern Alberta,” Adrian said. “We’re grateful to have a 5-1 record coming home after what has to be the most difficult part of our season, travel wise.  We started the game looking fatigued and in spite of battling hard against a hot shooting Concordia, we didn’t have what it takes to keep the winning streak alive.  Our focus this weekend was 2 Cor. 4:7 and acknowledge that have “treasure in jars of clay”, and continue to learn what it means to rely on Christ for strength and to “shine” for Him with our actions and words.”

Game notes: Player of the Game for Briercrest was Matt Myers with 16 points, a team high 11 rebounds and 3 assists. Other high performers were Gradyn Childerhose with team high 21 points and 6 steals, and 9 rebounds despite being in foul trouble and playing a season low 29 minutes, and James Wohlegeschaffen with four assists, 5 rebounds, 2 steals and 6 points.

Despite outshooting Concordia 77 to 68, it was the first time that Briercerst lost the efficiency battle, and the first time that Briercrest shot below 45% this season, as Concordia shot 52.9% to Briercrest’s 36.4% from the field and 33.3% to Briercrest’s 25.9% from beyond the 3-point arch. Concordia also won the board battle with 46 rebounds to Briercrest’s 39. Concordia also had 18 assists, four blocks and 15 steals to Briercrest’s nine, two, and 12 respectively.

After two back-to-back long road trips Briercrest will be happy to be spending the next two weekends at home, starting with a Nov. 16 hosting of NAIT and Nov 17 matchup with Grant MacEwan. Both games will be played at 8:00 pm.