(Ann Arbor, MI) – Concordia men's basketball hosted rival Siena Heights on Wednesday night as the team continued WHAC conference play. Both teams came into the game looking for their first conference win of the year. The match was closely contested and required overtime, but CUAA emerged with a 66-61 victory, making it the third straight win over the Saints for the program.
Matt Lockhart led Concordia with 16 points. Bernard Kasanda and Zackary Johnson finished second with 12 points apiece. Colton Ritsema had a team-high 6 rebounds and was also in double figures with 11 points. The Cardinals had 15 steals and 25 forced turnovers throughout the game, which were both the most in the time head coach Ricky Yahn has been at Concordia.
Bernard Kasanda ended a 4-0 Siena Heights run with a deep triple. Matt Lockhart scored on the fast break to put the Cardinals ahead as the teams traded baskets. Two early 3-pointers from Zackary Johnson gave Concordia a 16-11 lead at the 7:48 mark.
Colton Ritsema converted two layups inside as the game remained tightly contested. Kip French added a go-ahead free throw with just over a minute to go, but Siena Heights tied the game 23-23 heading into halftime.
A free throw from Colton Ritsema ended a 4-0 Saints run in the second half. Kip French and Devyn Jones added layups as the Cardinals looked to keep pace in the game. Bernard Kasanda added two free throws and Matt Lockhart drove for a basket. Zackary Johnson made two layups to put Concordia ahead 43-42 with 8:37 to play.
Bernard Kasanda knocked down a triple to extend the Cardinals' lead. Matt Lockhart and Kasanda continued to add baskets as the game still remained within a few points. Siena Heights managed to tie the game 55-55 with 30 seconds remaining. Concordia held for the last shot, but a deep triple from Thomas Hronis barely rimmed out and the game headed to overtime.
After Siena Heights hit a 3-pointer to open overtime, Devyn Jones scored after a steal and Matt Lockhart notched a go-ahead layup after multiple passes. Thomas Hronis nailed a deep step-back 3-pointer for his first basket behind the arc, giving the team a 63-58 lead. Colton Ritsema drained another big triple with 20 seconds to go and CUAA claimed the 66-61 win in the rivalry game.
Concordia will remain at home next Tuesday, November 23 when they host Cornerstone. Tip-off is at 7:30pm.