POINT LOOKOUT, Mo. – No. 2 Cornerstone outscored No. 7 IU-East by 12 points in the second half as they advance to the NAIA National semifinals on Monday with the 97-87 win. The Golden Eagles, now 33-3 on the year, got 26 points and 18 rebounds from Sam Vander Sluis as they will take on the winner of Bethel (Ind.) and Bellevue (Neb.) on Monday at 9 p.m. EST
 
Game Flow
In a game that was separated by no more than eight points for the first 38:46, Cornerstone hit their free-throws down the stretch to post the 10-point win. The opening half featured six lead changes as both offenses were in full rhythm. Trailing 43-37 with three minutes to play, CU used a 7-0 run, with five of them coming from Sam Vander Sluis to take a 44-43 lead. The lead would change hands three more times in the final minute as Michael Bradshaw's triple with 18 seconds was matched by an IU-East 3-pointer with two seconds to give them a 49-47 lead at the half.

Cornerstone opened the second half on an 8-3 run to take a 55-52 lead as they continued to put pressure on the offensive side and after a Kyle Steigenga 3-point play with 11:41 to play, CU held a 64-58 advantage. The Red Wolves continued to battle back and they took a 70-69 lead with 7:36 on the clock but the very next possession saw Cory Cox hit a runner in the lane and CU never relinquished the advantage. Up four with 1:14 to play, the IU-East head coach was called for two technical fouls and ultimately ejected from the game which led to four Cox free-throws and CU iced the game down the stretch with 10 more from the charity stripe.
 
Say What?
"We came into the game knowing we had to keep them out of the lane as their guards are so quick and in the first half we did not do that. We got back to better defense in the second and that gave us a chance" Head Coach Kim Elders

"I knew I had to step up after McLaughlin fouled out. Cory kept telling me to do what I do and I had that confidence to help the team win" - Junior Michael Bradshaw

"Coaches tell us to control the boards that at any time a shot goes up to go and get it." (he and Vander Sluis combined for 32 rebounds) - Junior Kyle Steigenga
 
By the Numbers
18 – Sam Vander Sluis sets the mark for the second-most rebounds in a game at the NAIA DII Tournament
53/32 – Vander Sluis (26/18) and Steigenga (27/14) combined for 53 points and 32 rebounds
24 – Michael Bradshaw had 24 points off the bench for CU
29/58 – Cornerstone shot 50% from the field
3/20 – CU finished the night shooting just 15% from behind the arc (but were 68% from inside the arc)
97 – The 97 points is the second most in a single game for CU this season (98 is most)
 
Up Next
Cornerstone advances to the semifinal round on Monday where they will play either Bethel (Ind.) or Bellevue (Neb.) at 9 p.m. EST.
 
Men's Basketball Contact: Aaron Sagraves
CU Athletics: Twitter | Facebook | Instagram
Men's Basketball on: Twitter | Facebook