(Grand Rapids, MI) – Concordia men's basketball traveled to Aquinas on Saturday afternoon to continue their WHAC conference season. The Cardinals entered the game 4-6 overall (1-4 WHAC) while the Saints came in 7-5 (3-3 WHAC). CUAA overcame a 16-point first half deficit to force overtime, but Aquinas hung on late in the extra frame to win 81-76.
Thomas Hronis led Concordia with 22 points. Bernard Kasanda finished second with 15 points. Colton Ritsema was also in double figures with 13 points. Matt Lockhart had a team-high 10 rebounds while adding 8 points.
After Aquinas opened the game on a 7-0 run, Devyn Jones spun in the paint for a layup. The Saints responded with a 10-0 run to lead 17-2 at the 14:28 mark.
Zackary Johnson drove for a layup to end the Saints' run. Thomas Hronis began to heat up with a 3-pointer and a jumpshot. Zac Clark added a layup in the post and Bernard Kasanda made a steal and drove for a basket. Thomas Hronis converted a 4-point play after a successful 3-point shot, pulling Concordia within single digits.
The Cardinals continued to keep pace late in the half as Matt Lockhart drained a pair of free throws and made a tough hook shot in the paint. Zac Clark added a layup and CUAA trailed 38-28 at halftime.
Bernard Kasanda converted an old-fashioned three-point play for Concordia's first second-half basket. Kasanda added another layup and Thomas Hronis drilled a triple as the Cardinals inched closer. Colton Ritsema and Bernard Kasanda knocked down 3-pointers to cut the deficit to 46-44 at the 12:27 mark.
Zackary Johnson drove for a layup and two baskets from Zac Clark tied the game 51-51. Colton Ritsema gave the Cardinals their first lead at the free throw line, putting the team ahead 55-51. The lead continued to change hands with Thomas Hronis adding a layup and two free throws.
Aquinas held a 68-66 advantage with 44 seconds remaining. The Cardinals were able to tie the game when Bernard Kasanda knocked down a floater in the lane. Kasanda had a chance with a full court shot in the final seconds, but the game headed to overtime tied 68-68.
Bernard Kasanda made a floater to open scoring in overtime. The teams continued to trade baskets as Matt Lockhart made a fadeaway jumper and Colton Ritsema put the Cardinals back ahead with a triple.
Aquinas led 77-76 with 58 seconds to play. After a defensive stop, Concordia ran down the floor and a contested three-pointer from Thomas Hronis fell just short. The Saints made their free throws in the final seconds and claimed the hard-fought win.
Concordia will return home with a non-conference game against Kalamazoo College on Wednesday, December 8. Tip-off is at 7pm.
