Rustler Too Much For Thunder In Saturday Night Action

EDMONTON, AB (November 13, 2021) – The Concordia University of Edmonton (CUE) Thunder played their regular season home opener on Saturday night as they welcomed the Lakeland College Rustlers. A tight game early, Lakeland used a strong third quarter to pull away and ultimately defeat the Thunder 75-57.

The first quarter opened with both teams playing a tight game and exchanging leads. Concordia was lead by #8 Raeesa Cherniwchan with five points in the quarter, but it was the Rustlers that took a three point lead into the break, 19-16. The second quarter was much of the same, with both teams exchanging baskets and leads. #9 Kaelyn Bryks scored seven points in the quarter for the Thunder as they were able to tie things up at the half 35-35. The second half was a different story, however. The Rustlers started the second half on fire and were able to pull away in the third quarter. With no answer from the Thunder, Lakeland outscored Concordia 23-10 in the period to take a 58-45 lead after three periods. The Rustlers were again able to ride out the momentum into the fourth quarter as the Thunder were still unable to find an answer. Increasing their lead by another five points, the Rustlers finished the game strong in the fourth quarter and were able to close things out for the 75-57 final.

After the game, Thunder head coach Robbie Valpreda commented: "we played good basketball and competed for the first 20 minutes of tonight's game. Our girls played hard against a very good and talented Lakeland team – but the Rustlers experience showed in the second half. Even through they got ahead of us, our girls still worked hard and competed to do everything they could to stay in the game. We have to learn to play for the full 40 minutes."

The One Team Sports Players of the game were #14 Bilge Topaloglu for Lakeland and #8 Raeesa Cherniwchan for the Thunder.

Concordia returns to action next week when they go on the road to Grande Prairie for a double header. The Thunder return home on November 27 when they welcome the NAIT Ooks.