MILWAUKEE – MSOE men's basketball celebrated their four outgoing seniors this afternoon against the only team in the top three of the NACC standings that they haven't defeated so far this season. Unfortunately, if the Raiders are to beat Concordia Wisconsin it will have to come in the playoffs as the Red & White fell to the Falcons by 11 on Saturday afternoon.

RESULTS
Concordia Wisconsin – 88
MSOE – 77

HOW IT HAPPENED
It seemed like MSOE (12-11, 9-9 NACC) was behind the eight ball before the game really even got underway. MSOE got into foul trouble early, with both Matthew Kirmse and Travis Ballard obtaining three each in the first 20 minutes. With those two sidelined more often than they would be in the first half, Concordia Wisconsin (15-8, 14-4 NACC) took advantage and went on a 6-0 run to build by a 12-point lead halfway through the frame. The Raiders shot 45.7 percent from the field, but it was the Falcons who were able to take better advantage of their own misses. CUW outscored MSOE 9-3 in second chance points to carry a six-point lead into the locker rooms. The two teams shooting percentages didn't change much after the intermission, but even with a big Raider push to start the half, they couldn't take advantage of the Falcons miscues or score after big stops. Concordia Wisconsin seemed to make every bad look or off balance shot as another 7-0 run put the game out of reach for the good guys. In the end the Raiders fell by 11 and continue to be tied for the fourth playoff spot with both Lakeland and Rockford, though MSOE owns tiebreakers over both squads.

RAIDER REMARKS

• The Falcons were extremely effective when running and gunning. They outscored the Raiders 17-6 in fast break points.
• There were nine lead changes and four ties in the ballgame tonight, but MSOE led for just 4:06 overall.

MSOE STAT TRACKER
Points – Michael Pitrof (21)
Rebounds – Sammy Linn (6)
Assists – Travis Ballard (3)
Steals – Josh Herzog & Sammy Linn (2)
Blocks – Michael Pitrof (1)

WHO'S ON DECK
The Raiders will look to create some separating distance between themselves and the two other teams at 9-9 in the conference starting with Dominican on Tuesday. Tipoff for the final regular season home game is slated for 7:00 pm.

For up-to-the-minute MSOE Raiders news, visit us at www.go-raiders.com. You can also follow the Red & White on Twitter @MSOE_Raiders and @msoe_raiders on Instagram.