ST. PAUL, Minn. - Despite five players in double-figures in scoring, the host Concordia University men's basketball team (9-13, 6-12 NSIC) couldn't run with the Southwest Minnesota State Mustangs (13-9, 12-6) in a 88-77 home loss at Gangelhoff Center on Friday night. The Mustangs countered with six players in double-figures led by Trent Carlson's six three-pointers and 18 points off the bench. BOX SCORE

Carlson took eight shots for SMSU, all three-pointers and buried six of them with many coming from well behind the arc. He led a bench that scored 44 points with three reserves in double-figures.

Concordia's bench produced just 14 total points - all by freshman guard Terez Van Pelt (Osseo, Minn.) who buried a pair of three-pointers and had three assists.

The Golden Bears had a sharp-shooter working on their side as well, with junior Isaiah Thomas (Fridley, Minn.) knocking down all five of his three-pointers for a 15-point performance. Senior guard Peter Olafeso (St. Paul, Minn.) had a team-high 17 points and five assists.

Inside, Concordia was led by senior post Brent Barz (Johnston, Iowa) with 16 points, eight rebounds (four offensive) and four assists. He also had a highlight reel alley-oop two-handed slam in the first half. Senior Kenny Olafeso (St. Paul, Minn.) also had eight rebounds and contributed 14 points as well.

The Golden Bears had 16 offensive rebounds which led to a 20-10 edge in second chance scoring, but it wasn't enough to overcome SMSU's other advantages.

The Mustangs made 26-32 (81.3%) at the foul line, outscoring Concordia by 15 points at the stripe despite CU making 84.6% of their chances. SMSU also had a 25-12 scoring edge off turnovers despite just a six turnover difference (CU 19, SMSU 13). Those factors, combined with the bench scoring (44-14) helped lift SMSU to the road win.

The first half was played close with three ties and seven lead changes as the Mustangs attempted to apply full court pressure against Concordia. It appeared they were attempting to use their depth to wear down the Golden Bears, but the fast-paced, open-court style contest was favoring the Golden Bear playmakers.

Neither team led by more than eight points in the first half, but it was SMSU who went into the break with the momentum and a seven point lead. The Mustangs controlled the slim lead for the final seven minutes of the half.

In the second half, SMSU came out strong out of the gate and never looked back. Concordia pulled within six points early in the half before SMSU turned a 17-5 spurt into a 20-point lead with just under 12 minutes left.

Concordia would attempt a late rally in the closing minute, cutting the margin to nine but it was too late as the Mustangs continued to sink their free throws down the stretch.

The Golden Bears will play their final home game tomorrow at 6:00 p.m. against Minnesota State on senior night.