(Ann Arbor, MI) – Concordia men's basketball kicked off the 2022-23 season with a home match against Trinity International. While the Cardinals held the lead throughout most of the game, the Trojans eventually came back for a 78-70 win.
Jayden Priddy led Concordia with 16 points. Kip French came in second with 11 points. Devyn Jones had a team-high 6 rebounds along with 10 points.
Zackary Johnson opened scoring with a 3-pointer just over 2 minutes in. Kip French and Jayden Priddy added triples to build a 9-0 lead. The Trojans countered with an 8-0 run until Devyn Jones drained a pair of free throws. Jason Jergens drilled a triple from the corner and Ethan Young scored inside to fight back. Nathan Pickett hit a jumper to put CUAA up 18-8 at the 10:00 mark.
Zac Clark and Devyn Jones completed a 13-0 run with layups to put the Cardinals ahead by 14 points. Mason Canfield scored inside as well and Nathan Pickett hit a 3-pointer for a 31-17 lead. TIU answered with a 10-0 run to tighten the game before halftime. After two late free throws from Matt Lockhart, CUAA went to the locker room up 36-28.
Devyn Jones had the Cardinals' first second-half points with a jumpshot. Zackary Johnson and Kip French drilled 3-pointers as the teams continued to battle. However, the Trojans were able to tie the game 47-47 at the 14:08 mark.
Jayden Priddy made two free throws and a pair of triples to help pace the offense. Zac Clark scored inside and added two free throws, but the Trojans continued to match the Cardinals' runs. Kip French hit a 3-pointer and a pair of free throws to cut the deficit to 66-64 with 6:46 to play.
Jason Jergens put Concordia up 68-67 with two free throws. After the Trojans went back ahead, Devyn Jones hit a jumper to cut the deficit to 72-70. However, TIU extended their lead and continued to make defensive stops. CUAA fell 78-70 as time expired.
Concordia will travel to Point Park this Friday, November 4 at 7pm.
