(Jackson, MI) – The Concordia men's basketball team went on the road for a rematch against Spring Arbor on Monday evening. The Cardinals came in looking to avenge their home loss to the Cougars just five days ago. CUAA controlled most of the first half and was able to extend their lead in the second to secure a 73-55 win.
Thomas Hronis led all scorers with 20 points in the game. Colton Ritsema had a double-double with a career-high 17 points and a team-high 10 rebounds. Zackary Johnson was also in double figures with 11 points on an efficient 4-6 from the field.
Colton Ritsema opened scoring in the game and a pair of triples from Thomas Hronis capped an 8-0 CUAA run. The Cougars answered with a 10-2 run to tie the game 10-10, but Matt Lockhart put the Cardinals back ahead with a triple. Spring Arbor briefly fought back to take a 15-13 lead before a Zackary Johnson layup tied the game again.
Both teams continued to trade baskets with Colton Ritsema and Zackary Johnson scoring in the paint. Devyn Jones and Tyler Black found the scoresheet and Ritsema added another pair of post buckets to keep Concordia in front. CUAA led 38-29 at halftime shooting an effective 47% clip from the field while holding the Cougars to 41%. The Cardinals also forced the Cougars to 9 turnover in the first half.
Bernard Kasanda scored to begin the second half. Colton Ritsema knocked down a triple to keep the Concordia lead 43-34, but the Cougars answered with a 9-3 run to pull within three points. The Cardinals countered with an impressive 14-0 run to take control of the game with just over eight minutes left.. Thomas Hronis and Tyler Black drained 3-pointers in the run and Devyn Jones added a steal and quick basket.
Concordia was able to maintain their lead through the final minutes of the game. Zackary Johnson added a pair of late free throws and Colton Ritsema scored an open layup. CUAA claimed the 73-55 win as time expired.
Coach Yahn was pleased how the team bounced back after the loss to Spring Arbor last week. "I'm really proud of the way we responded in our last two wins after the disappointing game last week," said Yahn. "We had the same game plan tonight as last week, and our guys gave tremendous effort on the defensive end of the floor. We played unselfishly offense and had several guys step up."
Concordia improves to 2-3 overall and will travel to UNOH to begin WHAC conference play on Wednesday, January 27. Tip-off is set for 7:30pm.
