It didn’t matter when McCormick’s two fouls started a 19-4 run at 5:08 p.m. to bring the Pumas 11:07 minutes ahead of 45:25.
“Overall, I thought we played a lot better defensively in the second half,” said Odegaard. “I thought we got stuck and put a little more pressure on than the first time.”
“They have taken their momentum,” added Shambov. “You got it at the beginning of the second half and drove with it. It demoralized us. It forced us to make some bad decisions with the ball. Obviously they got the momentum and it turned into a snowball effect for us. “
That big run included a few critical 3-pointers and several steals from Pumas’ Kelby Peterson. Peterson finished with 17 points.
“Kelby played very well,” said Odegaard. “He’s one of our best players and he hasn’t played at eye level this year. Tonight was probably the first time I’ve seen him change a game the way he can change a game. He can change a game by not only scoring but also playing defense, getting distractions, and that way we could run a run and get simple baskets. “
Nik Feller from Poynette brought the Pumas to 20 points with a layup at 10:20. Feller finished with 11 points.
Columbus’ Will Cotter kept the Cardinals within reach in the first half, scoring xx of his total of 14 points by keeping his presence low.
