Game Summary
WINONA, Minn. — Although now six games into the season, the Saint Mary's University men's basketball team is still struggling with one important factor: winning a game.
With seven freshmen on the court at one time or another Thursday, the young SMU squad posted a 76-68 losing effort to Concordia-Moorhead at the SMU Gymnasium in its third Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference contest of the season, dropping to 0-6 on the season.
"We played a lot of young guys, and we're still searching for a lineup that will work for us," SMU coach Mike Trewick said. "With so many young guys on the floor and injuries that have taken some players out, we haven't been able to figure much out yet."
And with that, the problem remains: the hole just keeps getting deeper for the Cardinals.
A full-court press from the Cobbers (1-2 MIAC, 2-4 overall) seemed to irritate SMU (0-3, 0-6) in the first half, as the Cardinals turned the ball over 14 times to Concordia's eight and only took over the lead on two different occasions — a lead of only one point.
And although SMU was led with 16 points from freshman Eric Lear (Antioch, Ill.), who entered the game only averaging 10.5 points per game, the Cardinals trailed by six at the halftime intermission.
A disadvantage that never switched into the Cardinals' favor.
In the second half, SMU posted only eight rebounds for 23 on the game while the Cobbers pulled down 31 on the game — eight specifically from Mark Dixon — en route to the loss.
"We can't post that few of rebounds and that many turnovers and expect to win a basketball game," Trewick said. "Every possession we had in the second half, someone let up — we need to take advantage of our opportunities and finish what we start."
Lear led the Cardinals with 21 points, while Dan Kloak (Elmwood Park, Ill.) added 11 points and freshman David Shaw (Chicago, Ill.) pulled down a team-high five rebounds.
Concordia ended with three athletes in double figures: Keith Eckhoff with 20 points, Dixon added 16 points and Soren Nelson contributed 10 points.
SMU is in action again Saturday at Benedictine with a tip-off beginning at 5:30 p.m.
