(Livonia, MI) – Concordia men's basketball resumed play with a road contest at rival Madonna on Wednesday evening. The Cardinals entered 4-5 overall (1-3 WHAC) while the Crusaders came into the game with a 6-2 record (3-1 WHAC). CUAA overcome a first-half deficit to take a double-digit lead in the second half, but Madonna came back late in the game for a 76-70 win.
Thomas Hronis led all scorers with 21 points in the game. Colton Ritsema finished second with 16 points. Matt Lockhart was also in double figures with 12 points. Devyn Jones had a team-high 6 rebounds while adding 4 points.
Colton Ritsema knocked down a 3-pointer for Concordia's first basket. Thomas Hronis scored two early baskets on solid cuts to the basket and Matt Lockhart added an inside layup. Madonna jumped out to a 20-12 lead, but Hronis drew a foul on a successful 3-pointer and converted the 4-point play.
Madonna responded with a 7-0 run to take their first double-digit lead. Thomas Hronis countered with two jumpers and Kip French added a pull-up jumpshot. A Colton Ritsema layup pulled the Cardinals within 2 points at the 7:06 mark as the team trailed 27-25.
Concordia tied the game 31-31 late in the half when Matt Lockhart converted inside. Both teams traded baskets as Bernard Kasanda scored on the fast break and Colton Ritsema converted inside. In the final seconds, a layup from Kasanda gave the Cardinals a 37-36 lead at halftime.
Bernard Kasanda started an 8-0 CUAA run in the second half with two free throws. Devyn Jones added a jumper, Matt Lockhart threw down an alley-oop, and Colton Ritsema capped the run with a layup for a 45-36 lead.
Zackary Johnson added a layup and a Zac Clark jumper put Concordia ahead by double digits. Colton Ritsema scored a layup after a shifty behind-the-back pass from Matt Lockhart for a 52-43 lead at the 11:25 mark.
Thomas Hronis and Colton Ritsema knocked down triples to keep the Cardinals ahead, but Madonna began to make a late run. The Crusaders tied the game 64-64 with 3:10 remaining and continued to pull ahead 69-64.
Thomas Hronis drew a foul shooting a triple and made all 3 free throws as the Cardinals looked to regain their lead. Hronis added another deep step-back 3-pointer, but Madonna was able to hold on defense and make their free throws to secure the win.
Concordia will remain on the road when they travel to Aquinas this Saturday, December 4. Tip-off is at 3pm.
