PALOS HEIGHTS, Ill. – After trailing by 20 early in the first half, Cornerstone responded to take down CCAC foe Saint Xavier 81-75 in the conclusion of the Troll Classic. CU went 2-0 over the weekend to improve to 4-2 on the year as they get set to start conference play next weekend. The first WHAC game will take place at Lawrence Tech on Saturday, November 16 at 3 p.m.
What you need to know?
- The first half was an incredible game of runs as the Cougars erupted for a 19-2 run to take a 28-8 lead on the Golden Eagles just eight minutes into the game.
- Cornerstone responded right away however, going on a 20-4 run of their own over the next seven minutes to cut the deficit to just four. Gabe Meriwether and Christian Rodriguez did a good job of getting the ball in the paint on the run to help bring CU back into the game.
- Tyler Baker hit a pair of threes to help cut the CU deficit to just two with 4:54 remaining in the first half.
- A third three by Baker gave Cornerstone their first lead of the game at 39-38.
- Saint Xavier went on an 11-4 run to end the half to lead 49-43 at the break.
- Both defenses stepped up in the second half as a total of four points were scored in the first three plus minutes of play.
- After going back down by 10 points, Drew Knickerbocker hit a big three and Kyle Hayes hit a layup as part of a 7-0 run that brought the deficit back to just three.
- Christian Rodriguez tied the game at 56 with 12:32 to play with a big bucket inside.
- Cornerstone and Saint Xavier traded buckets for the next six minutes of play, with SXU maintaining the lead throughout. However, three consecutive layups by CU capped off by a Christian Rodriguez bucket helped Cornerstone take a 66-65 lead with 6:48 to play.
- The Cougars did not relinquish the lead for long hitting some free throws to go back on top 70-66.
- Tyler Baker took the game in his own hands down the stretch, scoring nine points in a three-minute span to help CU get on top 77-73 with just 1:37 to play.
- Christian Rodriguez sealed the game with free throws and a layup helping CU hold on to win 81-75 and go 2-0 in the Troll Classic.
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By the Numbers
- Tyler Baker (22) and Gabe Meriwether (14) each recorded season highs in points in the win.
- Cornerstone outscored SXU 48-32 inside the paint.
- Kyle Hayes recorded his second 10+ rebound game, recording 10 exactly in the win.
- Cornerstone shot 50.8% from the field in the game.
What's Next?
Cornerstone will begin WHAC play a week from today at Lawrence Tech for a 3 p.m. game.
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Jesse Campbell
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