(Grand Rapids, MI) – Concordia men's basketball went on the road at Aquinas on Wednesday evening in WHAC play. The Cardinals ground out a complete game and claimed a 76-68 win over the Saints.
Matt Lockhart led the team with a career-high 24 points. Devyn Jones, Jayden Priddy and Zackary Johnson tied for second with 9 points apiece. Kip French had a team-high 8 rebounds and 5 points.
Nate Brighton hit a 3-pointer for Concordia's first basket. Devyn Jones hit a step-back triple to counter an early Aquinas lead. Jayden Priddy made a floater and Matt Lockhart hit a deep 3-pointer to pull the Cardinals closer. CUAA trailed 15-12 at the midway point of the half.
Colton Ritsema drained two free throws and Matt Lockhart added a layup and a triple to keep the offense going. Mason Canfield knocked down a go-ahead triple and Lockhart drove through the defense and dunked. Nate Brighton made two free throws and Lockhart continued his standout day with two more baskets. Free throws from Jayden Priddy put CUAA up 32-28 at halftime.
Zackary Johnson opened the second half with a triple in the corner. Matt Lockhart scored inside and Johnson added another 3-pointer. Lockhart and Devyn Jones scored and Johnson notched his third triple, but Aquinas battled back to tie the game 49-49.
Nate Brighton started an 8-0 run with a layup. Colton Ritsema added two free throws and Jayden Priddy banked in a deep triple to beat the shot clock. Matt Kohler made a layup and Ritsema pump-faked his defender and knocked down a 3-pointer for a 62-51 lead.
Aquinas tightened the game with a 7-0 run. Matt Lockhart countered with an "and-1" and a layup while Devyn Jones and Kip French hit jumpers. Jones added one more basket and French hit a 3-pointer, securing a 76-68 victory.
The Cardinals will play next on Saturday, December 17 when they host Spring Arbor at 3pm.