GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – The Golden Eagles trailed for much of the game in the home opener vs. Spring Arbor but a late run in the fourth gave them hope with a four-point lead with four minutes to go. The Cougars ended the game on a 16-2 run though to down Cornerstone and earn the 80-70 victory. CU now falls to 0-2 on the year as they host Taylor on Tuesday at 6 p.m. 
 
Game Flow:

• In a rare 3 p.m. start after a volleyball match, Cornerstone struggled to open the game. Spring Arbor took an early 9-6 lead in a fast-paced game with very few whistles. 
• Jaylee Long hit a big three later in the first quarter that kept CU within two. 
• With 2:42 left in the first quarter Emma Costen hit a layup to tie the game at 13. 
• Spring Arbor ended the quarter on a 9-0 run with a late layup by Grace Shoobridge to hold a 22-13 advantage. 
• Kennedy Helderop hit a three to stop the bleeding early in the second quarter that brought Cornerstone within eight. 
• Spring Arbor held a double-digit lead much of the second quarter. With 5:33 to play in the half Emma Costen hit a layup to get it within 10 at 30-21. 
• After the Cougars increased it back to a double-digit lead, CU ended the half on a 10-2 run powered by the full court press to trail 37-31 at the half. 
• Spring Arbor got off to a strong start in the third quarter, hitting a pair of free throws to increase their advantage back to 11. 
• Mackenzie Stien got hot late in the third and was able to cut the deficit back to five at the end of the period with the score 56-51 in a physical contest. 
• Point guard Kennedy Helderop carried the Golden Eagles offensively in the early stages of the fourth quarter, scoring nine points including two threes and an and-one to give Cornerstone the lead 63-62 with 5:31 to play. 
• Another jumper from Helderop made it 11 in the courter to increase the edge to three. 
• All was looking well for the Golden Eagles with a Jaxi Long three that put them up 68-64 with four minutes to play. 
• An aggressive Spring Arbor was not done yet however charging all the way back with the help of the foul call to end the game on a 16-2 run. 
• Seven of the 16 points were gained at the free throw line for the Cougars as the CU offense went stagnant in an 80-70 home opening loss. 

 
By the numbers:
40/80 – Spring Arbor scored 40 of their 80 points inside the paint, and outrebounded Cornerstone 46-29.
18 – Kennedy Helderop scored a team high 18 points on the game. 
27/10 – Spring Arbor hit 27 free throws to the Golden Eagles 10 on the game. 
 
What's next? 
Cornerstone remains home to take on Taylor on Tuesday, November 1 for a 6 p.m. tip. 
 
Women's Basketball Contact: Jesse Campbell
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