SPRING ARBOR, Mich. – Cornerstone opened their season with a tough 1-point overtime loss to No. 6 Indiana Wesleyan on Friday night. The 90-89 setback came in the opener of the WHAC/CL Challenge, which is being hosted by Spring Arbor University. The Golden Eagles will take on the host Cougars on Saturday at 3 p.m.
 
Game Flow
Foul trouble was the story for the Golden Eagles in the opening half as both Kyle Steigenga and Sam Vander Sluis sat numerous minutes but CU managed to stay within striking distance. A last second three-pointer by Tyler Baker brought the Golden Eagles to within 39-32.

The second half started with a 3-pointer from Kyle Steigenga and that ignited the CU offense as they would go on to build as big as a 12-point lead with just under 10 minutes to play. IWU slowly cut into the lead and the Wildcats actually led 76-73 with under 15 seconds to play. After a timeout, Michael Bradshaw hit a deep three pointer to tie the game and send it into overtime.

The teams traded baskets for much of the extra period but some late FT's help IWU tie the score at 89. With the ball and 14.7 on the clock, CU had time for one last play but a turnover, followed by a loose ball foul and made FT by the Wildcats gave them the one point victory.
 
Say What?
"It is always a battle with Indiana Wesleyan and it came down to just a couple of possessions. We did not back down after digging a hole and we need to come out better tomorrow" – Head Coach Kim Elders
 

By the Numbers
22 – Team-high points for senior Michael Bradshaw (8/19 FG, 4/10 from 3-point)
6 – CU had six players in double-figure scoring
42-39 – Cornerstone out-rebounded the Wildcats by three
12/26 – The Golden Eagles doomed themselves from the FT line
8 – CU had just eight turnovers in the game
 
Up Next
Cornerstone will stay on the east side of the state as they will take on Spring Arbor on Saturday at 3 p.m.
 
Men's Basketball Contact: Aaron Sagraves
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