By: @n_jcamp
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. - The Golden Eagles continue a playoff surge vs. Madonna on Saturday, February 26 at 3 p.m. for the WHAC Tournament Semifinal. After surviving Lawrence Tech in overtime on Wednesday night, Cornerstone looks to continue their quest for the NAIA National Tournament bid as they take on the Crusaders for the second time in two weeks. To follow the game live or purchase tickets in advance visit the link HERE. A reminder that the first 75 students will be free as well as Golden Eagle Club members. All other tickets will be seven dollars for adults and five dollars for students.
WHAC Quarterfinal Recap
The Golden Eagles were provided a scare at home in the WHAC Tournament Quarterfinal, sneaking out with a 77-75 overtime victory against the Blue Devils. CU had the chance to win it in regulation, but missed a free throw that forced OT where CU blocked LTU at the buzzer to win the game. Christian Rodriguez scored a team high 29-points to go along with six assists in the victory.
Return of Cory Ainsworth
Cory Ainsworth returned to action from his broken nose to play 25 minutes off the bench in the WHAC Tournament Quarterfinal. He scored 12-points on 5-6 from the field and now sits at 928 career points as he looks to become the 47th Golden Eagle in program history to hit 1000.
54 Boards
Cornerstone absolutely dominated the glass last time out, recording a season high 54 rebounds as a team. Jack Joldersma and Jonny Strube led the way each with nine in the overtime win. Cornerstone last recorded 54+ boards in 2019 in games vs. Grace Christian and Trinity Christian where they had 56. The all-time record for boards in a game at Cornerstone is 67 set all the way back in 1972 against Fort Wayne Bible College.
History vs. Madonna
Cornerstone played Madonna on February 16 and ended a six game losing skid with a dominant 82-69 victory over the Crusaders. Head Coach Kim Elders is 44-16 all-time against Madonna. Last time these two teams met in the WHAC Tournament was at Madonna in the 2020 WHAC Tournament Title game where CU fell 79-71.
Scouting Madonna
The Crusaders ended a three game losing skid that concluded the regular season with a 79-63 WHAC Tournament Quarterfinal win vs. Aquinas. Forward Mark Mettie is the star of Madonna averaging a team best in points per game, rebounds per game, and blocks per game. When the two teams met just over a week ago, Carter Nyp guarded Mettie and held him to 12 points on 5-12 shooting and did not allow him to hit a three ball. In Mettie's last game he scored 23 points against Aquinas on 11-17 shooting.
