Grand Rapids, Mich. – Men's Basketball opened up their regular season with an NAIA top ten matchup against the #6 Wildcats of Indiana Wesleyan. The Golden Eagles fought well early on, keeping the score close as the first half ended with Cornerstone ahead 39-37. Cornerstone nearly managed to snatch victory late, but fell 78-74 to open their season. The Golden Eagles continue the WHAC/Crossroads League Challenge with another home match against #RV Spring Arbor on Saturday, November 1st inside of the Mol Arena at 3 p.m. 

Game Highlights – Cornerstone – 74 Indiana Wesleyan – 78

• First Half

  • Joel Nichols opened the 2025-26 season with the first bucket of the game for the Golden Eagles to take a quick 2-0 lead. 

  • The Wildcats began to take a hold in the half with a 11-7 advantage off of strong shooting. 

  • The strong shooting continued for Indiana Wesleyan as they stretched their lead to ten points at the eight minute mark. 

  • Levi Schultz went on a seven point solo run to march back the Golden Eagles into the game as they now trailed 23-16. 

  • The next basket of the game was earned in a tough finish through contact by Myles Steffen who completed the three point play. 

  • Myles Steffen continued to shine as he cut the Wildcats lead to only three points with a shot from behind the arc with five minutes left to play in the half. 

  • Kayden Bird closed out an electric first half of basketball with multiple threes in his ten point run to earn a 39-37 lead at the break. 

• Second Half

  • The Golden Eagles continued to shoot red hot from behind the arc as Kayden Bird added another three point basket for the Golden Eagles. 

  • The Wildcats fought back to flip the script early in the second half as they took a three point lead with 14 minutes to play. 

  • Andy Mora continued to get to the bucket earning free shots from the line as he kept Cornerstone close in the contest down four with ten minutes left on the clock. 

  • Blake Stewart finished a tough and one at the basket which got Mol Arena on their feet as he tied the game at 61-61. 

  • The Golden Eagles held a three point advantage late in the game as Myles Steffen put home two crucial free throws. 

  • The Wildcats then turned the game upside down once again going on a strong run to close out their road victory 78-74 in Cornerstone's season opener. 

By the Numbers 

18/.500 – Kayden Bird led the Golden Eagles in points with 18 shooting 50% from behind the arc. 

3 - Levi Schultz led the game with three total blocks in the game and finished with a strong 15 point performance.

4 - Blake Stewart was scrappy off the ball as he collected four steals in the game. 
 

What's Next? 

Cornerstone continue the WHAC/Crossroads League Challenge with another home match against #RV Spring Arbor on Saturday, November 1st inside of the Mol Arena at 3 p.m. 

Men's Basketball Contact: Mason Young

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