MISHAWAKA, Ind. – One last game remained on the schedule in 2024 for men's basketball as they traveled to #10 Bethel, coming away with a 91-83 loss. It was a tale of two halves for the Golden Eagles as they found themselves down early and big, trailing 49-27 at halftime. The second half, the Golden Eagles look energized and ready to play as they outscored the Pilots 56-42, but it wasn't enough as the first half cost them. Luke Rowlinson led the game with 26 points as three others scored in double-figures. Men's basketball falls to 9-5 on the year as they will travel to Lourdes on Saturday, January 4 to kick off the second half of the season.
 
Game Recap – #10 Bethel – 91 #RV Cornerstone - 83
 
First Half: Bethel – 49 Cornerstone - 27

• It was all Bethel to start the game as the Pilots found easy baskets around the rim to open on an 8-0 run.
• The Golden Eagles responded nicely with a 7-2 run to make it 10-7 game after a Mason Brooks three.
• The first media timeout rolled around as the Golden Eagles trail the Pilots 12-9.
• Cornerstone has gone cold from the floor as the Pilots continued to find easy scores as they now lead 20-9.
• It continued to be all Bethel as they now lead 30-11 as they capped off an 18-2 run.
• Luke Rowlinson sparked the offense for the Golden Eagles with five straight points, but Cornerstone still finds themselves down big 34-18.
• Andy Mora drills the wing three for the Golden Eagles to make it a 40-24 game.
• Bethel closes the first half on a 9-3 run as the Golden Eagles have struggled to find any sort of rhythm on the offensive side as they shot just 32.1% from the field. They trail 49-27.

 
Second Half: Bethel – 91 Cornerstone - 83

• Luke Rowlinson opened the second half with five straight points, but Bethel would respond with six of their own to maintain a 55-32 advantage.
• Bethel continued to hold onto a 20-point advantage over the Golden Eagles as the first media timeout of the second half came about.
• A quick Golden Eagle 8-2 run highlighted by threes from Kayden Bird and Andy Mora made it a 61-47 game with 12-minutes to go.
• The momentum continued to favor the Golden Eagles as threes from Kayden Bird and Toby Woolcock made it a 10-point game, 65-55.
• Bethel would respond with five quick points to make it a 70-55 game, but the Golden Eagles once again responded with five of their own to keep it a 10-point game.
• The Pilots continued to hit clutch baskets as they have grown their lead back to 15, 79-64 as four minutes remain on the clock.
• Six straight point from Mason Brooks and a layup from Luke Rowlinson made it seven-point game, 79-72 as the Golden Eagles are within single digits for the first time since early in the first half.
•  Like all game, Bethel would silence the Golden Eagles as their three pulls it back to 10 with 1:30 to go.
• Cornerstone played the foul game down the stretch, but it wasn't enough as the Golden Eagles fell to Bethel 91-83.

 
By the Numbers
26 – Luke Rowlinson scored a game high 26 points to pace the Golden Eagle offense
22 – The Golden Eagles trailed by 22 at the end of the first half, yet outscored the Pilots by 14 in the second
10 – The Pilots outrebounded the Golden Eagles by 10, 45-35
8 – Cornerstone missed eight free throws, going 15-23 for 65% on the game
 
What's Next?
Men's Basketball remains on the road as they travel to Lourdes on Saturday, January 4 with tip off starting at 3 p.m.