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Men's basketball drops conference opener to Concordia

Le Ann Finger
December 1, 2003

The St. Olaf men's basketball team traveled to Moorhead, Minn. for the conference opening game against Concordia. The Cobbers started quickly, and then had to rally in the second half to come away with the 12-point victory, edging out the Oles 80-68.

Concordia jumped out to a 22-8 lead, but St. Olaf responded by whittling the lead down to four points with just over six minutes to play in the period. The Oles went on a 10-0 run to grab their first lead of the game at 39-37 with 1:15 left to go in the opening half. However, five quick points by Concordia gave the Cobbers a 42-41 lead at the break.

St. Olaf dominated the first part of the second half. They rattled off nine of the first 11 points and led 50-44 with 17:12 to go in the game. The Cobbers responded with a 10-2 run to take a 54-52 lead at the mid-way point of the half. The team's traded baskets, and the lead, for the next two minutes before Concordia scored 10 of the next 13 points.

St. Olaf was led by first-year player Jon Butala, who scored 20 points on 3-of-6 shooting from 3-point range. Nate Lund was the only other St. Olaf player in double figures in points. He contributed 10 points and six rebounds. After shooting 56% (18-for-32) from the field in the first half, the Ole's finished the game at 45% (30-for-66).

Next up for the Oles is their home opener against Martin Luther College from New Ulm, Minnesota on Monday, December 1, 2003 at 7:00 p.m.

Contact Le Ann Finger at 507-786-3834 or finger@stolaf.edu.