Concordia forward Luke Linz outshined the most electrifying player in the Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference. And it still wasn't enough to knock off the league's top team.
Sean Sweeney and Mike Keating each scored 15 points to lead the University of St. Thomas to a 69-63 victory over the Cobbers Monday night at Memorial Auditorium.
"In the end, we didn't come through on some key possessions," said Linz, who finished with 20 points. "They hit some shots and just pulled away. They are tough to guard because you can't leave anybody. Anybody on their team can score."
St. Thomas entered the game averaging 76 points a game, with the team's only MIAC loss coming Jan. 2 to Augsburg.
One of the primary reasons for the Tommies' success this season has been the play of junior Isaac Rosefelt. The transfer from NCAA Division I Bowling Green has dominated all opponents with 21.9 points and 11.3 rebounds a game this season.
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The athletic 6-foot-8 center has scored 25 points six times this season and ranks among the Division III leaders in points, rebounds and blocks.
A league MVP contender, Rosefelt looked on his way to another dominating performance Monday.
He had 14 points and six rebounds to help the Tommies to a 32-28 halftime advantage.
However, the Cobbers tightened the defense on Rosefelt in the second half, holding him scoreless on three shots from the floor.
Concordia's focus on the paint opened the door for St. Thomas' guards to win the game.
Sweeney and Alex Weaver combined for 22 points - including three 3-pointers - in the second half.
"We're very well rounded," Rosefelt said. "It keeps teams honest."
Sweeney connected from behind the arc to give St. Thomas a 62-57 lead with 1:24 remaining.
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The Tommies sealed the game with free throws.
Brock Citterman finished with 15 points for the Cobbers. Jason Miller had 14 points and eight rebounds.
Senior forward Mark Dixon, who is averaging 10 points a game, injured his shoulder early in the first half and never returned. No timetable has been set for his return.
Concordia is already without leading scorer Keith Eckhoff, who was lost for the season with a knee injury.
"We knew we had to give all the effort we could if we expected to win," Linz said. "We just came up short."
ST. THOMAS (12-3, 9-1): Sweeney 5-9 3-4 15, Schnettler 3-11 2-2 10, Shimek 2-6 3-5 7, Rosefelt 7-13 0-0 14, Keating 4-9 4-4 15, Dwyer 0-1 0-0 0, Peterson 0-0 0-0 0, Weaver 2-5 0-1 6, Robinson 0-0 0-0 0, Tas 0-0 0-0 0, Worrell 1-1 0-0 2. Totals 24-55 12-16 69.
CONCORDIA (5-8 4-5): Linz 9-18 1-1 20, Templeton 3-5 2-2 8, Boike 1-6 0-0 2, Dixon 1-3 0-0 2, Miller 6-10 1-1 14, Schulz 0-0 0-0 0, Meichsner 0-3 0-0 0, Dyshaw 0-0 0-2 0, Johnson 1-3 0-0 2, Citterman 6-14 0-0 15, Adams 0-1 0-0 0. Totals 27-63 4-6 63.
Halftime: UST 32, CC 28. 3-point goals: UST 9-21 (Sweeney 2-5, Schnettle 2-7, Keating 3-5, Dwyer 0-1, Weaver 2-3), CC 5-16 (Linz 1-2, Templeton 0-1, Boike 0-1, Miller 1-2, Meichsner 0-2, Citterman 3-8). Total fouls: UST 12, CC 16. Rebounds: UST 32 (Rosefelt 15), CC 32 (Miller 8). Assists: UST 15 (Sweeney 5), CC 18 (Linz, Dyshaw 3). Steals: UST 8 (Schnettler 4), CC 8 (Linz 3). Turnovers: UST 15 (Rosefelt 6), CC 13 (Boike 4). Att:-305.
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Readers can reach Forum reporter Heath Hotzler at (701) 241-5562
