No. 6 MBB grinds out 74-66 win over Aquinas

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GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – Cornerstone trailed by one at halftime and then battled back from down six late to post a 74-66 win over cross-town rival Aquinas on Wednesday night. The victory lifts the Golden Eagles to 24-5 on the season and 18-3 in league play. CU will wrap up the regular season on Saturday with a road contest at Lawrence Tech. Tip in Southfield is set for 3 p.m.

Game Flow

In another classic game between the two Grand Rapids-area schools, the Saints took control early and held their largest lead at 32-27. CU stormed back with a 7-0 run highlighted by five straight from Cory Cox (SO/Flushing, Mich.) to put the Golden Eagles up 34-32. After trading buckets down the stretch, Aquinas got the last push as a layup with under five seconds to play gave the visitors a 37-36 lead at the break.

After Cornerstone regained the lead early in the second half, the see-saw battle continued with the Saints posting a 9-0 run to go up by six (53-47) with 12:18 to play. CU then battled back to make it close down the stretch and after trailing 55-60 with 6:06 to play, the Golden Eagles scored 17 of the final 23 points to post the win. The win, along with a Lourdes victory over Davenport, vaults the Golden Eagles into a 3-way tie with the Panthers and UNOH atop the WHAC standings.

Say What?

"This is always a battle and tonight was no different. I am proud of the guys for battling and overcoming some mistakes. This kind of game prepares us for Saturday and the WHAC Tournament" – Head coach Kim Elders

By the Numbers

.500 – 26/52 were the field goals for Cornerstone

8/8 – Anthony Williams finished 8/8 from the FT line – so in two games vs. CU he was 30/30

.882 and .762 – The FT percentage for Aquinas and Cornerstone

27 – Points for Kyle Steigenga (FR/Holland, Mich.) – The freshman has finished in double-figures in 28 of 29 games

35-10 – Bench points in favor of CU – 13 from Ben Lanning (JR/Grandville, Mich.) and 15 from Cory Cox

1 – Starts in their career for senior Justin Pepper (SR/Wayland, Mich.) and Nick Manzer (SR/Petoskey, Mich.) – Ty Mason (SR/Comstock Park, Mich.) has started in 68

Up Next

Cornerstone will play their regular season game on Saturday when they travel to Southfield to take on Lawrence Tech. Tip is set for 3 p.m.

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