(Ann Arbor, MI) – Concordia men's basketball returned home on Wednesday night to host #24-ranked Cornerstone in WHAC conference play. The Golden Eagles came into the contest 10-7 overall with a 4-4 WHAC record. CUAA led throughout most of the 1st half, but Cornerstone pulled away in the 2nd and held on to claim a 70-61 win.
Greg Alexander (SR/Middle River, MD) led Concordia with 12 points in the game. Emmanuel Dominguez (SR/Groveland, FL) finished second with 11 points. Paul Zysk (SR/Somerset, MI) led the team with 8 rebounds while adding 8 points.
Paul Zysk scored a layup in the paint for the first basket of the game. Jerald Booker (SR/Southfield, MI) and Greg Alexander drained 3-pointers early in the match as the score remained closely contested. Tyler Black (JR/Grand Rapids, MI) made a pair of free throws and a Thomas Hronis (JR/North Ridgeville, OH) triple put CUAA up 15-9 with 11:38 to go.
A pair of baskets from Emmanuel Dominguez kept Concordia in the lead. Paul Zysk scored a layup on a slick feed from Greg Alexander, and Alexander slashed his way to the basket for a quick layup. Jerald Booker drained two free throws and Matt Lockhart (SO/Fraser, MI) drilled a triple for a 30-24 CUAA lead.
The Golden Eagles responded with a 7-0 run to retake the lead. Bernard Kasanda (SO/Lawerenceville, GA) made a block with 0.5 seconds remaining to deny a basket, but the Cardinals trailed 31-30 heading to the locker room.
Paul Zysk scored the first basket in the 2nd half to briefly retake the lead for Concordia, but the Golden Eagles used a 6-2 run to pull back ahead. Cornerstone continued to maintain their advantage as the Cardinals went through a 12-minute stretch with their only points coming from free throws. The Golden Eagles tied for their largest lead with a 57-41 advantage at the 7:50 mark.
Jordan Winowiecki (SO/Fraser, MI) scored to end the drought from the field and Greg Alexander added a basket as well. The Cardinals continued the late comeback effort as Emmanuel Dominguez made a pair of free throws and a 3-pointer.
Austin Harless (JR/Holly, MI) pushed the deficit into single digits with a basket and a pair of free throws, making the score 63-55 in favor of Cornerstone with 4:05 remaining. Jordan Winowiecki pulled the Cardinals within 6 points with a basket at the 1:25 mark, but despite several late chances the team was unable to complete the comeback. Cornerstone held on to secure the 70-61 victory.
The Cardinals will remain at home this Saturday, January 11 when the team hosts Indiana Tech. Tip-off is set for 3pm following the conclusion of the women's game.