Box Score GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – After UM-Dearborn cut the deficit to as low as three in the second half, Cornerstone would pull away to earn a 78-63 win in a physical WHAC quarterfinal game. Senior
Sam Vander Sluis led the way with a dominating 35 points, 17 rebounds, two assists, four blocks, and three steals in the win. Cornerstone will now take their 24-7 record into a WHAC Tournament semifinal against Siena Heights inside Mol Arena on Saturday at 3 p.m.
What you need to know
- Both teams would get off to a slow offensive start, as Sam Vander Sluis would score the first six points for CU to give them a 6-2 lead after three and a half minutes of play.
- Cornerstone would go on a 10-0 run highlighted by five made free throws to increase their lead to 13 at 32-19.
- The Golden Eagles defense would step up big in the final minutes of the first half, holding UM-Dearborn scoreless from the 5:08 mark until the 1:30 mark.
- The Golden Eagles would lead by 12 at the half, 34-22.
- CU would start the second half hot, going on an 11-5 run to increase their lead to a game high 18 points. Tyler Baker would hit a three in the run and Sam Vander Sluis would score six points in the paint.
- The Wolverines would respond with a 13-2 run to cut the deficit to as low as three in the second half.
- The Golden Eagles would quickly respond with a 9-0 run to increase the lead back to 12.
- UM-Dearborn would play the foul game down the stretch to try to get back in the game, but CU would continue to hit their free throws going 26-35 from the line to win 78-63.
By the Numbers
6 –
Kyle Hayes recorded a new career high in blocks, recording six of the Golden Eagles 10 on the game.
10/6/6 –
Christian Rodriguez went for 10 points, six boards, and six assists in the win.
14-23 –
Sam Vander Sluis went 14-23 from the field in his 35-point performance.
54.2% - CU shot 54.2% from the field in the second half.
What's Next?
Cornerstone will take on Siena Heights in the WHAC semifinals on Saturday at 3 p.m.
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Jesse Campbell
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