(Ann Arbor, MI) – Concordia men's basketball returned home to host the Blue Devils of Lawrence Tech in WHAC conference play. The Blue Devils came in 9-12 overall with a 4-10 WHAC conference mark. The Cardinals held a 1-point lead at halftime, but despite trading leads throughout the game Lawrence Tech pulled away for a 93-81 win.
Jerald Booker (SR/Southfield, MI) and Thomas Hronis (JR/North Ridgeville, OH) tied for the team high with 14 points apiece. Jordan Winowiecki (SO/Fraser, MI) and Matt Lockhart (SO/Fraser, MI) each chipped in 12 points. Paul Zysk (SR/Somerset, MI) recorded his first double-double of the season with 11 points and a team-high 12 rebounds.
Paul Zysk scored the first basket of the game for Concordia. Jerald Booker added a jumper and a tip-in to give the Cardinals their first lead. Matt Lockhart drained a 3-pointer and a layup for a 13-11 CUAA advantage at the 11:03 mark.
Jordan Winowiecki began to take over offensively with a fast break layup and a pair of triples. Concordia continued to convert from behind the arc with Greg Alexander (SR/Middle River, MD) adding a 3-pointer and Thomas Hronis draining two triples for a 33-27 lead.
The game remained tightly contested in the final minutes with Matt Lockhart and Thomas Hronis adding 3-pointers to pace the Concordia offense. CUAA led 42-41 after the 1st half.
Jerald Booker made a layup and a step-back 3-pointer to begin the 2nd half. Jordan Winowiecki made a spinning layup as well, but the Blue Devils jumped out to a 57-51 lead at the 14:36 mark.
Matt Lockhart drained a pair of free throws and Tyler Black (JR/Grand Rapids, MI) added a basket to pull the Cardinals with 2 points. Lawrence Tech responded with a 6-0 run and Paul Zysk answered with an old-fashioned three-point play. However, the Blue Devils built a double-digit lead with a 68-58 advantage at the 9:24 mark.
Concordia began to play aggressive half-court defense with Jerald Booker and Emmanuel Dominguez (SR/Groveland, FL) forcing steals that led to baskets. The Cardinals finished a 9-0 run with a 3-pointer from Greg Alexander, pulling within 2 points with a 71-69 deficit.
Lawrence Tech rebuilt their lead to 10 points with 1:22 to go, forcing Concordia to begin fouling. Matt Lockhart made an athletic leaping block on a dunk attempt in the final minute, but the Blue Devils secured the 93-81 win.
The Cardinals will remain at home on Saturday, February 1 when the team hosts the University of Northwestern Ohio in WHAC conference play. Tip-off is set for 3pm following the conclusion of the women's game
