The Briar Cliff women's basketball team put together a strong, competitive effort, but a late push by the No.11 Concordia Bulldogs proved to be the difference as the Chargers fell 83–77 Saturday afternoon. 

BCU stayed neck-and-neck with CUNE throughout the opening half. The Bulldogs held a slim 22–21 edge after the first quarter, and neither team was able to create separation in the second as Concordia carried a narrow 41–39 lead into halftime.

The Chargers continued to battle in the third quarter, but the Bulldogs outscored Briar Cliff 19–15 in the period to extend their lead to 60–54 heading into the final frame.

Briar Cliff made multiple pushes in the fourth quarter and cut the deficit to single digits late, but Concordia answered from the free-throw line down the stretch to secure the win.

Mallie McNair led the Chargers with 20 points to go along with four rebounds, and three assists. Taylor Sodeman followed with 15 points and six rebounds. Abby Lee added 14 points and 10 rebounds for a double-double, while Kenna Mongan also finished with 14 points, knocking down four three-pointers. 

Briar Cliff shot 41.5 percent from the field and totaled 23 bench points.

Concordia was led by Kristin Vieselmeyer's 13 points. 

The Chargers move to 18-9 overall and return to action next Saturday, February 21st, traveling across town to take on the Morningside Mustangs. Tip-off is set for 2 p.m.
 

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