GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – Cornerstone was unable to play spoiler in their matchup with #14 Siena Heights, falling 82-46. Turnovers plagued the Golden Eagles, as the Saints defense pressured relentlessly. CU had no answer for front court duo of Demi Russell and Peyton Banks, who combined for 31 points on the night.
Shelby Nyboer led the Cornerstone offense with 12 points and was the only Golden Eagle to hit double figures. CU will look to bounce back this Saturday as they hit the road to face UM-Dearborn. Tip-off is set for 1 pm and live links will be available at cugoldeneagles.com
Game Flow
- The Golden Eagles jumped out to an 8-5 lead, thanks in part to a pair of 3's from Broghan Gamble. Siena Heights turned up the pressure from there, looking to get out on the break and work the ball inside. The Saints quick approach turned the flow of the game around for them as they took a 23-15 lead into the second.
- Siena Heights seized control in the second, showing why they came into this contest 19-1. Their fast break offense paired with multiple Golden Eagle turnovers pushed the Saints farther ahead. Cornerstone, led by 10 first-half points from Shelby Nyboer continued to battle but the Siena Heights lead stretched to 50-26 at the half.
- Both teams came out of the break slow, combining for 10 points in the first five minutes of the half. Consecutive three-pointers from Sterling DeGayner and Brooke Modderman made it 58-34 with four minutes remaining in the third. From there Siena Heights took control, stretching their lead to 65-36 by the end of the quarter.
- Both teams emptied their benches in the fourth, allowing every active player to see the floor. Freshmen Kaycee Sluiter and Kendall Krupiczewicz made the most of their opportunities, tallying 5 points apiece in the quarter. When the final buzzer sounded, Siena Heights left Mol Arena with an 82-46 victory.
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By The Numbers
- Cornerstone struggled to take care of the basketball, turning the ball over 22 times on the night. Siena Heights was able to take better care of the ball, with only 7 turnovers.
- The Golden Eagles rejected 5 Saints shots, which outpaced the single block by Siena Heights.
- Siena Heights posted a strong effort on the glass, grabbing 47 rebounds. Of those 47 boards, 19 were offensive and led to 21 second chance points.
- Cornerstone shot 5-24 from three, which was barely bested by the 6-24 mark from Siena Heights.
What's Next?
Cornerstone will travel to Dearborn this Saturday for a WHAC matchup with UM-Dearborn. Tip-off is scheduled for 1pm.
Women's Basketball Contact: Noah Sall
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