(Ann Arbor, MI) Riding a three game win streak, the Cardinals looked to make it 2-0 in WHAC play with a home victory over the undefeated Saints of Siena Heights. Despite a hot start from he Cardinals, and steady play throughout, the Saints made one more play in the final seconds to secure the 66-64 comeback win.
Statistical leaders for the Cardinals were Forward Tris'styn Williams (JR/New Baltimore, MI) with 16 points (6-12 FG, 0-1 3PT, 4-4 FT), 10 rebounds, and 1 assist; Forward J'may Simmons (JR/Clinton Township, MI) with 16 points (7-14 FG, 1-4 3PT, 1-2 FT), and 3 rebounds; and Guard Ally Lenz with 13 points (5-10 FG, 2-4 3PT, 1-1 FT), 1 rebound, and 1 assist. Siena Heights' Peyton Banks would lead the Saints to victory with 32 points (12-18 FG, 3-3 3PT, 5-6 FT), 8 rebounds, and 1 assist.
The Cardinals started out the game clicking on all cylinders, playing aggressive on both offense and defense. The Saints, meanwhile, struggled early on. Even after the Saints got shots to consistently fall in, the Cards continued to pour it on SHU; At one point leading by 10 points. By the end of first quarter, Concordia led 19-14
The Cardinals would open up the second quarter much like they did in the first, playing an explosive brand of basketball. On a 14-4 scoring run, the Cards just could not seem to miss. Continuing to play phenomenal defense, Concordia out rebounded the Siena Heights and generated key turnovers, all but shutting down the Saints offense. Going into halftime, Concordia led the Saints 42-30.
The tables started to turn in the third quarter with the Saints immediately establishing themselves on defense right out of the gate. Instituting a full court press and a much more physical game plan, SHU generated an exponential increase in steals, travels, and turnovers, cutting the Cardinals lead throughout the quarter. Now trailing by 1, the Cards responded to the adversity, tying the game 54-54 heading into the fourth quarter.
Relenting a little on their defensive physicality, the Saints and Cardinals settled into a back and forth fourth quarter. With both defenses playing well, scoring was scarce, setting up for a dramatic finish. Tied with 30 seconds left, the Cards missed 3, giving the Saints the ball back with 9 seconds. Demi Moore then called game with two seconds left, giving Siena Heights the decisive 66-64 victory.
Next up for the Cardinals (3-3, 1-1 WHAC) is a matchup the Lawrence Tech Blue Devils in Southfield, their third WHAC contest of the season. Tipoff is set for 1:00pm next Saturday.
