Coach Duane Siverson would like to change the "at times" part of that statement to 40 minutes. But the Cobbers will have to wait until their next conference game to make the amendment.

Carleton’s Josh Wilhelm scored 22 of his game-high 26 points in the second half as the Knights pulled away from the Cobbers late on their way to a 82-65 triumph Saturday at Concordia’s Memorial Auditorium.

"We just need to be more consistent all the way around," Siverson said. "We need to keep our defensive and offensive intensity for 40 minutes, not just 35. We have to sustain it for the whole game."

Carleton improved to 7-0 overall and 3-0 in the MIAC with the victory. Concordia fell to 1-6 and 0-3.

"I think Concordia had an exceptional game plan and executed it well," said Carleton coach Guy Kalland. "I was very impressed with Concordia. But it was exactly what I expected. We played an incredibly determined team."

But Concordia’s determination proved to be no match for the talented Knights as the game wore on.

Carleton embarked on a 27-14 run to end the game after Concordia’s Brian Kesselring cut the Knights’ lead to 55-51 with 7 minutes, 40 seconds to play. Kesselring paced the Cobbers with 16 points.

The Knights showcased all facets of their game during that decisive stretch. Carleton received timely outside shooting from Jim Lovrien, strong reserve play from Paul Novotny and plenty of Wilhelm on the inside.

Wilhelm scored 15 of the 27 points in the game-ending surge.

"One of the strengths this year is our depth," said the 6-foot-8 forward. "We feel confident when we get to the second half – that’s been our half this year. I think we wore them down a little bit and it was easier to get the ball inside."

Novotny finished with 16 points, while Fergus Falls, Minn., product Ryan Retzlaff and Lovrien added 14 and 12, respectively.

"I don’t think we would be able to defend a team like that any better than we did," Siverson said. "It’s just a matter of sustaining things offensively."

Concordia was outscored by 17 points in the second half after the game was tied 34-34 at halftime. The Cobbers were hurt by foul trouble in the last 20 minutes as their top two scorers, Jim Gillhouse and Mike Wrobel, saw limited action in that span. Both players fouled out.

"I think Concordia has some players who will be very good in the MIAC over the long haul," Kalland said. "Right now they just need some game experience on the floor."

CARLETON (7-0): Moersch 2-4 0-1 4, Richardson 0-1 2-4 2, Riedner 0-1 0-0 0, Tompkins 1-3 0-0 2, Binder 0-1 0-0 0, Ferch 1-7 0-0 3, Lovrien 4-7 0-0 12, Retzlaff 6-10 2-2 14, Knutson 1-1 0-0 3, Novotny 5-8 6-9 16, Wilhelm 6-10 14 17. Totals 26-54 24-33 82.

CONCORDIA (1-6): Benson 1-5 0-0 3, Bjork 0-3 2-4 2, Wishart 2-3 1-3 6, Peterson 4-8 2-2 13, Killoran 0-0 1-2 1, Kjesbo 2-2 0-0 4, Wrobel 3-11 1-2 7, Becker 1-1 0-2 2, Gillhouse 5-10 0-1 11, Kesselring 7-9 2-3 16. Totals 25-62 9-19 65.

Halftime: Carleton 34, Concordia 34. 3-point goals: Carleton 6-14 (Moersch 0-1, Richardson 0-1, Riedner 0-1 Tompkins 0-1 Ferch 1-4, Lovrien 4-5, Knutson 1-1, Novotny 0-1), Concordia 6-12 (Benson 1-2, Bjork 0-1, Wishart 1-1, Peterson 3-6, Gillhouse 1-2). Fouled out: Wrobel, Gillhouse. Rebounds: Carleton 38 (Wilhelm 10), Concordia 27 (Wrobel 5, Gillhouse 5). Steals: Carleton 9 (Richardson 2, Novotny 2), Concordia 9 (Bjork 2, Kjesbo 2, Wrobel 2,). Assists: Carleton 19 (Richardson 4, Ferch 4, Retzlaff 4), Concordia 13 (Benson 4). Total fouls: Carleton 16, Concordia 30. Technicals: Carleton bench. Carleton 1. Turnovers: Carleton 15, Concordia 17.

See game notes and box score.
1997-98 Cobber Men's Basketball