MARION, Ind. – Men's Basketball opened their season against #RV Spring Arbor as they fell in a defensive battle 74-64. The Golden Eagles shot 35.2% for the game and just 9.1% from behind the arc as they couldn't get anything on offense going. Eli Steffen was the bright spot for Cornerstone as he had a team high 19 points on 9-15 shooting. Men's Basketball will be right back in action tomorrow afternoon as they take on host #3 Indiana Wesleyan at 5 p.m.
 
Game Recap - #RV Spring Arbor – 74 #RV Cornerstone - 64
 
First Half: Spring Arbor – 29 Cornerstone – 28

• The first points of the 2024-25 season belonged to Eli Steffen as he drove and finished around the rim to give Cornerstone a 2-1 lead.
• It was all Spring Arbor to start the game as the Golden Eagles were forced to a call a timeout as they found themselves down 11-2 after the first four-minutes.
• Mason Brooks scored four straight off the bench to give the Golden Eagles a spark, but Spring Arbor responded with a made three to make it a 19-6 game.
• With just under 10-minutes to go in the first half, Luke Rowlinson makes a layup to make 22-8.
• A Tanner Wiegerink dunk sparked a quick Golden Eagle 7-0 run as Andy Mora has scored five straight to make it a 22-15 game with seven-minutes to go in the half.
• Mason Brooks was fouled on a three and makes all three free throws to make it 28-22.
• The Golden Eagles close the half on a 6-1 run as they find themselves down 29-28 at the break. The Golden Eagles out scored Spring Arbor 20-7 to close out the half.

 
Second Half: Spring Arbor – 74 Cornerstone – 64

• Cornerstone scored the first four points in the second half thanks to Eli Steffen and Luke Rowlinson as they lead 32-29.
• Cornerstone and Spring Arbor continued to trade baskets as an Eli Steffen layup ties it at 36 with 14:56 to go.
• A four-minute 10-2 run by the Cougars sees them extend their lead 48-40 over the Golden Eagles.
• Cornerstone continued to struggle on offense as Spring Arbor's Gabe Newof made it a 54-43 game.
• A rare Coach E technical gave Spring Arbor two free points as they lead 58-47 with six-minutes left.
• The Cougars continued to fend off the Golden Eagles as an easy Spring Arbor layup made it 67-56 with under two-minute to go.
• Spring Arbor holds the Golden Eagles to just 64 points as Cornerstone falls in game one 74-64.

 
By the Numbers
19 – Eli Steffen led the way for Cornerstone with 19 points shooting 9-15 from the field
35.2% - The Golden Eagles shot 35.2% from the field and 9.1% from the behind the arc
16 – Cornerstone grabbed 16 offensive rebounds on their way to outrebounding Spring Arbor 39-35
 
What's Next?
Men's Basketball returns to action tomorrow afternoon as they take on #3 Indiana Wesleyan at 5 p.m.
 
Men's Basketball Contact: Jonny Strube
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