(Rochester, MI) – Concordia men's basketball continued WHAC conference play with a road contest at Rochester on Wednesday night. The Cardinals entered 4-4 overall while the Warriors came in a perfect 4-0. CUAA overcame an early deficit to take a 33-24 halftime lead, but Rochester used a 2nd half rally to claim a 67-57 win.
Zackary Johnson led the Cardinals with 18 points. Colton Ritsema finished second with 13 points. Thomas Hronis had a team-high 9 rebounds while adding 9 points.
Matt Lockhart drove baseline and converted a reverse layup for Concordia's first basket. Zackary Johnson drove for a layup as both teams started the game with a fast pace. Rochester used a 9-0 run to take an 11-4 lead, but the Cardinals countered with baskets from Thomas Hronis and Matt Lockhart.
Thomas Hronis added a 3-pointer, but Rochester built a 19-12 lead at the 9:40 mark. A triple from Zackary Johnson began a 15-0 run to swing the momentum and give CUAA a 24-19 lead. Colton Ritsema knocked down a high-arcing jumper and Bernard Kasanda scored on a quick drive as the half wound down. The Cardinals took a 33-24 lead into the locker room.
Colton Ritsema started the 2nd half with a reverse layup in the paint. The Warriors began to surge back with a 14-1 run to take a 38-36 lead at the 14:34 mark. Zackary Johnson ended the run with a layup to tie the game again.
Devyn Jones added a floater as the teams continued to trade baskets, but Rochester continued to pull away taking a 56-46 lead with 7:08 to go. The Cardinals kept battling as Colton Ritsema scored in the paint and Matt Lockhart drilled a deep 3-pointer.
Colton Ritsema made two more baskets in the paint as time wound down, but the Warriors were able to hold on to secure the 67-57 win.
Concordia will return home Saturday, January 6 to face Indiana Tech at 3pm.
