(Ann Arbor, MI) - Concordia men's basketball hosted rival Madonna in WHAC play on Saturday afternoon.  The Cardinals nearly recovered from a 22-point deficit by trimming the lead down to six points.  However, the Crusaders held on for an 89-69 win. 

Jason Jergens led the team with 16 points.  Ray Washington-Battle came in second with 13 points.  Mason Canfield had 11 points.   

Mason Canfield ended a 6-0 Madonna run with a jumper.  Canfield scored six of the first seven Cardinal points with Ray Washington-Battle adding a free throw.  However, CUAA trailed 21-7 at the midway point of the first half. 

Jason Jergens sparked the offense with a 3-pointer.  Ray Washington-Battle had a jumper and Jergens scored a layup.  Colby Chapman drained two free throws and both Jason Jergens and Mason Canfield knocked down triples.  Mark DeVries added a basket inside but CUAA trailed 44-27 at halftime. 

Mark DeVries scored inside to open the second half.  Ray Washington-Battle converted two "and-1s" and continued to pace the offense as the Cardinals mounted a comeback.  A 3-pointer from Jason Jergens trimmed the deficit to 52-46 with 14 minutes to play. 

Jason Jergens made a jumper and Luke Brohl hit two triples.  However, Madonna slowly managed to rebuild their lead.  Matt Blanton chipped in a pair of baskets and Gabe Sweat knocked down a free throw.  Trevor Viau made an impact with the team's last seven points including a 3-pointer.  However, Madonna claimed an 89-69 win as time expired. 

Concordia will travel to Indiana Tech this Wednesday, January 22nd, at 7:30pm.