(Grand Rapids, MI) – Concordia men's basketball headed west to Aquinas on Wednesday night for a WHAC matchup. The Cardinals battled hard, but the team was unable to overcome a first-half deficit and fell 81-61.

Joey Garwood led the team with 14 points. Dylan Jergens finished second with 12 points. Devyn Jones had a team-high 6 rebounds.

Joey Garwood had Concordia's first basket with a jumpshot. Zavion McClendon knocked down a triple and Garwood added another jumper for a 7-2 lead. However, Aquinas countered with a 15-0 run to gain the advantage.

Devyn Jones ended the run with a free throw and Dylan Jergens hit a jumpshot and assisted brother Jason Jergens on a 3-pointer. Dylan Jergens added a layup and Joey Garwood nailed a 3-pointer, but Aquinas scored the remainder of points down the stretch and led 38-18 at halftime.

Zavion McClendon made a 3-pointer to start the second half. Joey Garwood and McClendon continued to pace the offense along with a triple from Jason Jergens. Aquinas held a 60-36 lead at the midway point of the half.

The Cardinals put together a 9-2 run down the stretch with Dylan Jergens draining free throws, Evan Neff making a triple and Joey Garwood driving to the hoop twice. Concordia got a number of faces on the court with Ray Washington-Batle converting three free throws and Nyelle Shaheed knocking down a triple.

Matt Kohler made a jumper late and Hunter Yeakey chipped in two free throws. Kohler added a 3-pointer in the final minute of the game and Jack MacLeod drove for a layup. However, Aquinas claimed the 81-61 win as time expired.

Concordia will return home this Saturday to host Indiana Tech at 3pm.