GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – Siena Heights PJ Austin played just three minutes in the game, but hit the most crucial shot draining a three with two seconds to go to give the Saints a 78-75 win over Cornerstone and a season split on the series. With the loss, Cornerstone falls to 13-8, 7-5 WHAC as they end their three game homestand at 2-1. CU will now hit the road to take on receiving votes UM-Dearborn on Saturday at 3 p.m.
What you need to know?
- Both teams got off to a fast start offensively as it was tied 6-6 two minutes into the game. Freshman Cory Ainsworth established himself early scoring four of the Golden Eagles first six points.
- SHU then went on an 8-1 run to double up the Cornerstone score at 14-7.
- A layup by Nick Dekkenga gave the Golden Eagles the lead back at 19-18 with 11 minutes left in the first half.
- A dunk by Carter Nyp and five straight points from Christian Rodriguez got the CU lead out to eight at 31-23.
- Siena Heights refused to go away though, coming back to make it just a two-point game at the half, 35-33.
- The two teams traded buckets through the first 11 minutes of the second half as the game was tied at 59 with 8:39 to play.
- The Saints went on a 7-0 run later in the half to go up by eight at 68-60.
- Back-to-back layups from Cory Ainsworth tied the game back up for the Golden Eagles at 71 with 3:06 to play.
- Keith Jordan Jr. hit a pair of free throws to give SHU a 75-73 lead, but Tyler Baker got to the line himself and hit a pair to tie the game back up at 75 with 1:19 to play.
- The game remained tied at 75 with 17 seconds to play as the Saints called a timeout to draw up the final play.
- PJ Austin came in the game for the final possession and hit a deep three with two seconds to play that would be the dagger and down the Golden Eagles 78-75.
By the Numbers
- Cory Ainsworth repeated his 22-point performance from last game going 10-12 from the field to lead the Golden Eagles.
- The Saints doubled up the Golden Eagles at the free throw line hitting 22-27 at the strike.
- Christian Rodriguez tied a season high with six assists to go along with his 19 points in the loss.
- Cornerstone was outrebounded 39-36 in the contest.
What's Next?
Cornerstone hits the road again on Saturday to take on a struggling receiving votes UM-Dearborn squad at 3 p.m. CU has lost three of the last four vs. the Wolverines including a two-point loss at home earlier this season.
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