SEWARD, Neb. – Concordia University, No. 5 in the latest NAIA national rankings, forced 15 of College of Saint Mary's 24 turnovers in the first half to build a 53-25 halftime lead, and went to an 87-53 Great Plains Athletic Conference basketball victory on Wednesday at Friedrich Arena.

"They're really long and athletic,'' CSM Coach Natalie Miller said. "We didn't handle their pressure well at all in the first half. They had 20 points I think off our turnovers (before the break), so their press just really frazzled us.''

Concordia improved to 4-1 overall and 2-0 in the GPAC, while CSM dropped to 1-4 and 0-2.

The Bulldogs grabbed 21 offensive rebounds in the game, creating a 22-9 edge in second-chance points, and finished with a 49-31 rebounding advantage.

The second half was a different story, however, as the Flames played with more composure. They were outscored by only six in the final 20 minutes.

"In the second half we had a lot of ladies step up,'' Miller said. "We did a much better job of just communicating and playing team defense. Concordia's tough. They're super efficient.''

Haley Debuse led CSM with 12 points, six rebounds, three assists and two steals. She hit 2 of 3 from 3-point range. Aleigha Jackson and Maura Tichota added eight points apiece, with Jackson pulling down seven rebounds. Madelyn Gaughen added six points, five assists and four rebounds.

Miller also praised the floor game of Jazmyne Villalobos.

"Jazzy was a huge component,'' she said. "She did amazing just hustling this game. While we have some growing areas, it was definitely the best team defense we've played.''

The CSM coach said her team made some late-game strides as it turns its attention to Saturday's 3 p.m. home GPAC contest against Dakota Wesleyan.

"We definitely saw some good things moving forward,'' Miller said. "I know our ladies are definitely encouraged by their second-half performance.''