JACKSON, Mich. – There is no better way to start a season then going against the #5 team in the nation in Indiana Wesleyan. Cornerstone battled and competed with Indiana Wesleyan all game and eventually was able to tie the game with eight minutes remaining, but eventually falling 89-83. The game was won at the free throw line as Indiana Wesleyan shot and made 23 more free throws than the Golden Eagles, proving to be the difference maker in the second half as each free throw slowed downed the Cornerstone momentum. The Golden Eagles fall to 0-1 on the season but have a quick turnaround as they face off against Spring Arbor at 2 p.m. tomorrow afternoon.
Game Highlights
• It didn't take long to see the Golden Eagles get on the board as Cory Ainsowrth scores the first points of the season for Cornerstone from a dime from
Eli Steffen.
• The first three of the season was made by
Luke Rowlinson as he gave Cornerstone the 7-6 lead with over 16 minutes to go in the first half.
• Indiana Wesleyan went on a 6-0 run to extend their lead 16-9 before sophomore
Mason Brooks hit a big three to stop their momentum with 12 minutes to go in the first half.
• Cornerstone has stayed in it by having scrappy plays on the offensive glass that saw a good pass from
Carter Nyp find
Toby Woolcock for an easy bucket to cut it to 22-20 with a little over seven minutes to go in the first half.
• Freshman
Lewis Jones found himself grabbing three offensive rebounds in a span of three minutes that was capped off by hitting two big free throws to make it a 25-24 game.
• Indiana Wesleyan would close out the half going on a 7-0 run going into the half up 36-27.
• Indiana Wesleyan started the second half going on 9-2 run that saw them grab the biggest lead of the game at 45-29 with little under 18 minutes left in the game.
• Cornerstone would find themselves slowing chipping away as
Luke Rowlinson had another bucket to cut it to 55-48 with 13 minutes remaining.
• Three threes by Zach Velthouse and a big stop on defense led to the open three by
Mason Brooks to tie the game 62-62 capping off a 11-4 run for Cornerstone as the three point shot has kept Cornerstone in this game.
• As soon as the momentum turned Cornerstones way, the foul bug got in the way for the Golden Eagles.
• The Golden Eagles kept fouling the Wildcats as each time the game got within reach, Spencer Peircefield would go to the line and knock down the free throws.
• After a layup by Seth Maxwell, Indiana Wesleyan lead grew back to 10 as it was 79-69 with 2:44 to play in the game.
• Good pressure defense by the Golden Eagles led to a 12-4 run that cut the Wildact lead 83-79 with :37 seconds left with a dunk by
Carter Nyp.
• Indiana Wesleyan was able to the seal the game away the same way that won them the game, by scoring at the free throw line winning 89-83.
By the Numbers
42/35 – Cornerstone won the rebound battle 42-35 and grabbing 15 offensive rebounds compared to their 13.
38/15 – Indiana Wesleyan outshot the Golden Eagles on the free throw line going 32-38 compared to cornerstones 9-15.
49% - Cornerstone shot well for the game shooting a team 49% and 44% from behind the arc that kept them in the game.
22 –
Luke Rowlinson started his season on a great note scoring a career high 22 points.
What's Next?
The Golden Eagles are right back in action tomorrow afternoon as they face off against Spring Arbor to close out the CL/WHAC Challenge at 2 p.m.
Men's Basketball Contact: Jesse Campbell
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