GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – A late first half run by the Cougars tied the score at 34 at the break and then Spring Arbor outscored the No. 8 ranked Golden Eagles by eight in the second half to upset CU 72-64 in the season opener. The loss drops Cornerstone to 0-1 as they will look to regroup with a tall task on Saturday as they host No. 2 ranked and defending national champions Indiana Wesleyan. Tip is set for 3 p.m. after the conclusion of Aquinas-Spring Arbor.
 
Game Flow
After Cornerstone took a 12-10 lead at the 13:41 mark on a 3-pointer from Marquise Hatter, it looked like the Golden Eagles had the momentum. They would extend their lead to as many as eight in the opening half but a late SAU run tied it at 34 going into halftime.

The Golden Eagles came out of halftime a little sluggish and the Cougars scored the first five points to go up 39-34 just 1:45 in. A pair of free-throws from Kyle Steigenga tied the score at 43 but then Spring Arbor took the lead on the very next possession and held a slim lead for the next 10:06 until Cory Cox hit a pair of FT's himself to knot it at 62.

The Cougars then scored 10 of the final 12 points including some clutch shots late on the shot clock to post the upset win.
 
Say What?
"Give credit to Spring Arbor. They executed and hit some big shots throughout the game. We need to get over this fast as we play Indiana Wesleyan tomorrow." – Head Coach Kim Elders
 
By the Numbers
16 – Kyle Steigenga led all CU players with 16 points
13 – Sam Vander Sluis pulled down six offensive and seven defensive rebounds
17/26 – CU went just 17/26 (65.4%) from the free throw line
21/64 – The Golden Eagles also shot the ball poorly from the floor (32.8%)
36 – SAU starting guard Caleb Hogans finished with a game high 36 points (made 7/9 three-pointers)
 
Up Next
Cornerstone will be right back in action on Saturday when they play host to the No. 2 ranked and defending national champions, Indiana Wesleyan, at 3 p.m.
 
Men's Basketball Contact: Aaron Sagraves
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