Although relatively experienced, with a majority of juniors and seniors on their roster, Concordia was outmatched with size, talent and athleticism by the AIS. However, the game provided the AIS with a great opportunity to work on establishing an early defensive presence and to focus on offensive execution against both man and zone defences prior to heading out to Cal State, San Bernardino on Monday afternoon.

Concordia came out of the blocks with superior energy and intensity. The AIS started a little flat and were tentative offensively, making some early passing errors. The group looked a little weary, both physically and mentally, early in the half. To the players credit, they continued to keep plugging away to build on the defensive and rebounding efforts to work their way into the game at the offensive end. The AIS had to work hard to match Concordia’s intensity and physicality and regain control of the tempo of the game, particularly at the offensive end. Achieving this became a battle as the AIS’s offensive woes were compounded with some uncharacteristic missed layups and free throw attempts.

The AIS was dominant on the defensive boards and in the later stages of the half the AIS was able to capitalize on Concordia’s poor shooting percentage by pushing the ball in transition. The AIS built a comfortable, although not convincing, 35-17 lead at the half.

The AIS consistently build on their lead in the second half and were able to wear down Concordia with their relentless efforts on the boards and in the transition game getting out to a 30 point lead half way through the second half.

Stephanie Collins and Alex Wilson had standout performances on the night. Steph finished with 18 points, 8 rebounds and was a strong defensive presence in the paint. Steph again demonstrated her ability to out run her opponents in the full court and was rewarded with 8 points in transition for her consistent efforts in this area. The crowd also appreciated her efforts at 6’5. Ally Wilson had another solid performance building on her recent performances at both ends of the floor. Ally finished the game with 14 points, 6 rebounds, and 4 steals. Keely and Alicia Froling also battled hard for their 8 points and 7 rebounds each off the bench.

In summary, the AIS got off to a slow start at the offensive end, however, had a consistent and dominant defensive performance holding Concordia to only 43 points at 25%FG, winning the boards by 20, and taking better care of the ball. Although the AIS never got into a flow offensively they were able to battle through, although ugly at times, and find a way to have a more positive and productive second half.

Today the AIS will travel into East Los Angeles, the City of San Bernardino, to compete against D2 Representative, California State University - San Bernardino, for the second to last game of the 2012 AIS - USA Tour. The AIS will need to show significant improvement on last night’s performance to secure their 8^th win of the tour.

Top Performers:

·         Stephanie Collins, 18 points, 8 rebounds, 4 blocks

·         Alex Wilson 14 points, 6 rebounds, 4 steals

·         Keely Froling 8 points 7 rebounds

·         Alicia Froling 8 points, 7 rebounds

Remaining Games:

·         California State University, San Bernardino (D11), Monday, Nov 12 @ 2pm

·         California Lutheran University (D111), Tuesday, Nov 13 @ 7:30pm