MISHAWAKA, Ind.  – The Golden Eagles took on a tough no. 19 Bethel University for their first game in 70 days, and although the offense kept pace, the defense struggled as CU fell 112-94. Christian Rodriguez led the way for the Golden Eagles offensively with 22 points as CU is now 3-2 on the year. Next up, Cornerstone will begin conference play with a road test against Siena Heights. The game is set to tip at 8 p.m. in Adrian and can be seen live at cugoldeneagles.com. 
 
What you need to know? 

• Christian Rodriguez hit three consecutive threes early in the game to give the Golden Eagles a 15-9 lead. 
• The two teams continued to trade buckets with little defensive work as Eli Steffen hit an and one jumper at the midway point of the first half to give CU the 23-22 advantage. 
• With the game tied at 40, Bethel was able to find some separation with a three-minute 9-0 run.
• A pair of threes from Christian Rodriguez and Tyler Baker quickly cut the deficit back to six with 1:10 remaining in the first half. 
• The Pilots got to the free throw line multiple times in the final minute to take a 57-48 advantage at the half. 
• Bethel was hot to begin the second half recording an 8-2 run to go up by 12. 
• Cornerstone continued to cut the deficit to as low as seven but could not get closer as they trailed 70-63 with 15:24 to play. 
• A Pilot 7-0 run brought the Golden Eagle deficit to as high as 18 with 10 minutes to play. 
• Trevion Crews continued to control the offense of the Pilots and brought their lead to a game high 23 points at 106-83. 
• Both teams saw the bench come in late as the Golden Eagles fell 112-94 in their first game in 70 days. 

 
 

MBB | Defense struggles in the return to play as @CornerstoneMBB falls 112-94 at @NAIA No. 19 Bethel University.

Sponsored by: @detroitwingco #TogetherweSOAR pic.twitter.com/BCPzphoRuw

— Cornerstone Golden Eagles (@CUathletics) January 23, 2021

By the Numbers 
1993-94 – The last time CU gave up 112+ points to an opponent in regulation was in Head Coach Kim Elders first year as head coach against Tri-State University. 
117 – More recently CU allowed 117 points to Mount Vernon Nazarene in 2018, but that game went to three overtimes. 
22/7/5 – Christian Rodriguez led the team with a season high 22 points, seven assists, and five made threes. 
45-34 – Cornerstone was outrebounded 45 to 34 on the game. 
54.1% - Bethel could not be stopped offensively going 54.1% from the field and 40-74 from the field. 
 
What's Next? 
Cornerstone will open conference play at Siena Heights on Wednesday with the opening tip set for 8 p.m. 
 
Men's Basketball Contact: Jesse Campbell
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