MOUNT VERNON, Ohio – Cornerstone used a 19-1 run late in the second half to overcome a 7-point deficit and they pulled away for an impressive 68-56 win over NAIA No. 9 Union (Ky.). The win sends Cornerstone into the championship game of the MVNU Homecoming Classic on Saturday where they will face either Mount Vernon Nazarene or Olivet Nazarene. The time is also dependent on the winner of the other semifinal.
What you need to know
- Neither team scored until 16:43 of the first half when Sam Vander Sluis hit a pair of FT's
- Union held a slim lead 2-3 points for most of the first half and led 30-29 at the break
- The Bulldog lead grew to as many as nine (44-35) with just under 15 minutes to play
- CU then went on a 19-1 run putting them up 56-47 with 7:15 to play
- Sluis had an offensive put-back in the final minute to keep the lead in double-digits
Let's Get Social
Say What?
"Our defense was strong all game but during that stretch (19-1 run) we finished more possessions with a strong rebound and we also got more aggressive on the offensive end" – Head coach
Kim Elders
By the Numbers
22/21 – Points and Rebounds for
Sam Vander Sluis – the second straight game with 20+ points and 20+ rebounds
15/11/11 – CU got solid offensive production from
Christian Rodriguez,
Riley Costen and
Carter Nyp
49-37 – Cornerstone controlled the board in a defensive battle
.269-.560 – The Golden Eagles were ice cold from the field in the first half (7/26)but were 14/25 in the second
What's Next?
Cornerstone will take on either host Mount Vernon or Olivet Nazarene on Saturday in the championship game of the MVNU Homecoming Classic. Time is to be determined based on who wins that matchup.
Men's Basketball Contact: Aaron Sagraves
CU Athletics: Twitter| Facebook| Instagram
Men's Basketball on: Twitter| Facebook
