GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – Leading by just two points with 15 minutes to play, No. 1 Cornerstone used a 17-2 run to put away the hopes of an upset by Indiana Tech as they won going away, 82-71. The victory lifts the Golden Eagles to 20-2 on the year and 13-1 in the WHAC. CU will return to Mol Arena on Wednesday when they host Siena Heights at 7:30 p.m.
 
Game Flow
The early going saw some great defense by the top two teams in the conference until Michael McLaughlin converted a drive and layup 2:19 in. That started a 5-0 spurt for the Golden Eagles, only to see Indiana Tech respond with 10 of the next 14 to take their first lead at 10-9. The teams would trade the lead six more times for the remainder of the half but a late spurt by CU gave them a 38-30 advantage with under a minute to play. The Warriors however went into the locker room with the momentum as they scored five straight to close the half.

The opening five minutes of the second half was similar to the first and the Warriors had the lead down to just two (48-46) with 15:25 to play. CU then scored six straight, with four coming from Riley Costen, and after a bucket by IT, the Golden Eagles used an 11-0 spurt to go up by 17 (65-48) with 9:21 to play. The closest the Warriors were able to get was 11, which was the final margin.
 
Say What?
"Indiana Tech is a very good team that has been played very well lately. We knew it was would be a battle out there today. Kyle Steigenga and Sam Vander Sluis (who combined for 40 points and 22 rebounds) are such a huge part of our offense and defense. When they protect the paint and rebound like they did today, it makes it a lot easier for us to execute the game plan" – Senior Cory Cox
 
By the Numbers
40/22 – Steigenga (26/13) and Vander Sluis (14/9) dominated the inside game for CU
7 – Seven different Golden Eagles finished with at least five points
53.2 – 39.3 – CU shot above 50% while limiting the Warriors to under 40
35-34 – Indiana Tech is the first team to out-rebound the Golden Eagles in 2016-17
3 – Cornerstone turned the ball over a season-low three times
 
Up Next
Cornerstone remains at home next week to face Siena Heights on Wednesday. Tip is set for 7:30 p.m.
 
Men's Basketball Contact: Aaron Sagraves
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