FORT WAYNE, Ind. – After falling in their first two games to open the 2017-18 season, the competition did not get any easier as the No. 1 ranked Men's Basketball team picked up a huge 66-63 road win at No. 3 Saint Francis (Ind.) on Friday night. The victory helps CU improve to 1-2 on the year as they will face No. 2 Union (Ky.) at 2 p.m. on Saturday in Fort Wayne.
 
Game Flow
It was another classic matchup between two of the NAIA's best programs as there neither team was able to separate itself from the other over the opening 20 minutes. The lead changed hands six times during that time with CU holding its largest lead of six after a pair of Riley Costen free-throws with 7:43 on the clock. USF finished the half on an 8-2 run to take a 35-33 lead into the break.

CU came out on fire to open the second half as they scored 19 of the first 23 points to take their largest lead of the game (13) at 52-39. The run was finished off by a triple from Michael Bradshaw on a nice pass from Christian Rodriguez.
 
The Cougars hung tough on their home floor as they chipped away at the lead and they scored the next 15 points to take a 54-52 lead. CU rebounded from the run to take a 59-56 lead on a crucial 3-pointer from Joey Blauwkamp and the Golden Eagles never trailed again, eventually leading by as many at seven (64-57).
 
Say What?
"We played solid on the defensive end and then offensively it was hard to come by as USF is a great team, especially on their home court. This is a nice win and now we get another tough test Saturday against Union" – Head Coach Kim Elders
 
By the Numbers
14 – Game and Career-high points for freshman Christian Rodriguez (4/7 from behind arc)
9/13/6/4 – Points, Rebounds, Blocks and Assists for Sam Vander Sluis
12/17 – CU was 70.6% from behind the foul line
12-5 – The Golden Eagles made seven more triples than the Cougars
19 – CU won despite 19 turnovers
35-30 – Cornerstone held the edge on the glass
 
Up Next
Cornerstone will now face the team that defeated them in the 2017 NAIA DII National Title game as they will face Union (Ky.) at 2 p.m. on Saturday afternoon.
 
Men's Basketball Contact: Aaron Sagraves
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