(Ann Arbor, MI) – Concordia men's basketball hosted Aquinas on Saturday afternoon for a WHAC conference matchup. The Cardinals looked to close the gap on the WHAC 7th-place Saints in their hunt for a playoff spot. CUAA kept the contest within reach and led multiple times in the second half, but Aquinas pulled away for a 73-62 win.
Kip French led Concordia with 19 points. Matt Lockhart finished second with 12 points. Devyn Jones was third with 10 points. Jones and Lockhart tied for a team-high 5 rebounds.
Kip French had Concordia's first basket of the game. Jayden Priddy had two free throws and Matt Lockhart converted a reverse layup. A 3-pointer from D'Angelo Stoxstill gave the Cardinals a 9-8 lead. The contest continued to be close with Zac Clark making two layups and Devyn Jones weaving through the defense to finish an "and-1". CUAA trailed 17-16 near the midway point of the first half.
A corner 3-pointer from Kip French gave the Cardinals a 23-22 lead. Colton Ritsema got on the board with a hook shot and both Devyn Jones and Matt Lockhart continued to score as well. Ritsema added a late layup and CUAA trailed 35-31 at halftime.
Kip French drilled a triple to start the second half. Devyn Jones and French continued to pace the offense with Jones giving the Cardinals a 45-44 lead on a quick drive. D'Angelo Stoxstill scored inside and Matt Lockhart made a 3-pointer for a 50-46 advantage at the midway point.
Colton Ritsema added a basket inside, but Aquinas eventually retook the lead. Jayden Priddy put the Cardinals back ahead 55-54 with a jumper. However, the Saints were able to pull back in front in the final 5 minutes. The Cardinals switched to a full-court press and Matt Lockhart forced a steal, but Aquinas made their free throws to secure the 73-62 win.
Concordia will play next at rival Siena Heights this Monday, February 7 at 8pm.
