GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – In the final game before Christmas, men's basketball hosted IU South Bend and came away with a 78-68 victory. Kayden Bird was the offensive spark in the first half as Blake Stewart took over in the second half as both players finished with 23 points to lead the Golden Eagles. The win moves Cornerstone 8-4 on the year as they will look to recover over Christmas break and come back ready and prepared for their next game against Grace Christian on Friday, December 27.
 
Game Recap – #RV Cornerstone – 78 IUSB - 68
 
First Half: Cornerstone – 34 IUSB - 27

• Both teams first possession resulted in points as Toby Woolcock's three, and next possession layup gave the Golden Eagles an early 5-3 lead.
• Luke Rowlinson scored five straight for the Golden Eagles as they have extended their lead 12-5 after the first five minutes of the game.
• Cornerstone continued to find scores; this one came off of a Jack Joldersma offensive rebound as Kayden Bird knocked down the jumper to make it 18-8.
• Kayden Bird continued his hot streak as back-to-back threes made it 24-11 Cornerstone through the first 10-minutes.
• Cornerstone ended a small drought as Blake Stewart nailed the corner three to make it a 27-15 Golden Eagle advantage.
• IUSB has taken control of the offensive glass as their hard work resulted in a 6-0 run to make it a 27-21 Golden Eagle lead with five minutes to go.
• The four-minute Cornerstone drought is over as Kayden Bird made another three to make it 30-21 with three minutes left in the half.
• Cornerstone headed in halftime with a 34-27 lead. Kayden Bird leads all scorers with 13 points.

 
Second Half: Cornerstone – 78 IUSB - 68

• IUSB opened the second half on a 5-2 run to cut into the Golden Eagle lead 36-32 through the first three minutes.
• The Titans continued to be the aggressors to open the second half as a three gave them their first lead of the game since the first possession, 37-36.
• IUSB and Cornerstone continued to trade baskets but another three from the Titans sees them continue to lead 45-41 with 13-minute to go in the game.
• Kayden Bird and Blake Stewart continued to be the spark for the Golden Eagles as a Bird three made it 49-47 IUSB through the first 10-minutes.
• Andy Mora tied the game at 50 after a three but IUSB would respond with one of their own to retake the lead 53-50.  Kayden Bird would answer again to make it 53-53 as both teams continued to be hot from behind the arc.
• Connor Dykema and Andy Mora drill a three as Blake Stewart scooped and scored an easy layup to highlight the Golden Eagle 8-0 run that forced IUSB into a timeout. Cornerstone leads 63-55.
• Kayden Bird once again drained a corner three as this one helped Cornerstone extend their lead 68-59 as 3:35 remains.
• The Golden Eagles knocked down their free throws as they lead 73-61 with 1:36 left in the game.
• The press started to get to Cornerstone down the stretch as a few turnovers led to Titan points as it is 75-68 with under a minute to go.
• After a slow start to the second half, the Golden Eagles recovered well on their way to a 78-68 victory.

 
By the Numbers
23 – Kayden Bird and Blake Stewart both had 23 points to lead the Golden Eagle offense
8 – Cornerstone lost the rebounding margin, 41-33 as IUSB had 15 offensive rebounds
8 – Toby Woolcock continued to show why 6'7" players can be guards as he led the way with eight assists
 
What's Next?
Men's Basketball will be back in action after Christmas with a matchup against Grace Christian on Friday, December 27 starting at 2 p.m. in the Mol Arena.
 
Men's Basketball Contact: Jonny Strube
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