(Ann Arbor, MI) – Concordia men's basketball hosted rival Madonna on Sunday afternoon in WHAC conference play.  The Cardinals came in 4-5 overall while the Crusaders entered riding a four game win streak at 5-2.  CUAA nearly overcame a first half deficit, but despite multiple rallies Madonna came away with the 76-63 win.

Zackary Johnson led Concordia with 18 points and 6 rebounds.  Thomas Hronis finished with 16 points.  Bernard Kasanda was also in double figures with 11 points.

Matt Lockhart knocked down a jumper to open scoring.  Madonna countered with 8 straight points until Bernard Kasanda stopped the run with a quick drive.  The Crusaders continued to pull ahead with a 12-2 run to lead 20-6 at the 13:09 mark.

Zackary Johnson drilled back-to-back triples to propel the Cardinals back into the game.  Anthony Condie scored a layup and Bernard Kasanda and Johnson helped Concordia cut the deficit to 26-23.  Jaedyn Carter made a 3-pointer from the corner and Zackary Johnson had a late floater.  CUAA trailed 34-30 at halftime.

After Madonna started on a 5-0 run, Thomas Hronis hit a high-arcing triple.  Hronis added another three point and Colton Ritsema converted an old-fashioned three-point play, but Madonna surged to a 55-39 lead at the 13:07 mark.

Zackary Johnson drilled a 3-pointer after a timeout to end the run.  Johnson added another triple along with one from Thomas Hronis as the Cardinals tried to battle back.  Devyn Jones scored an "and-1" to cut the deficit to 64-56 with 4:31 remaining.  Hronis added another 3-pointer late in the game, but Madonna maintained their lead and handed the Cardinals a 76-63 loss.

The Crusaders were led by Mark Mettie with 22 points and 16 rebounds and Henry Speight with 23 points (8-12fg). 

Concordia will play their next game on Wednesday, February 10 when they travel to Cornerstone.  Tip-off is set for 7:30pm.