Grand Rapids, Mich. – The Aquinas women's basketball team kicked off the Saturday basketball doubleheader against crosstown rivals, Cornerstone University, this evening (Jan. 13). A strong first half propelled the Golden Eagles past the Saints by a score of 85-70.

Aquinas falls to 7-9 this season with a 4-6 conference record. Cornerstone improves to 9-6 with a 7-3 WHAC record.

Cornerstone 85, Aquinas 70

The game got off to a hot start as both teams scored seven points less than two minutes into the game. CU's leading point scorer this season, Olivia Kubik, hit a three to take the lead and Stephanie Ainsworth scored a layup to give Cornerstone a two-possession lead.

The combination of Kubik and Ainsworth combined for another five points to put Aquinas behind by double-digits in just a couple of minutes. Ashlyn Wilkes ended the Golden Eagle run, but the home side continued to pace its lead and ended the first quarter ahead 22-14.

A 6-0 run from Jenna Daschke, Brynn Reams, and Claire Gregwer put Aquinas cut the deficit to just four points to begin the second quarter. However, Kubik once again responded with a three to end the AQ run. The three started a massive 17-0 run for the Golden Eagles to give Cornerstone a 41-20 advantage with three minutes to play in the half. The two teams ended the half trading a few baskets, but the two sides entered the locker room with CU ahead 48-27.

The pace of the game remained about the same as Cornerstone established as much as a 25-point lead halfway through the third quarter. Gregwer and Alona Blackwell combined for a 7-0 run to cut the lead to 17 and Hannah Outlaw proceeded to convert a layup to cut the lead to 15. However, two layups from Cornerstone to end the third quarter maintained a 19-point advantage.

Aquinas quickly erased that advantage and reduced the lead to just eight points after going on a 13-0 run to start the quarter. However, as was consistent throughout the game, Kubik stopped the Saints' momentum with a three. Cornerstone went on a run following her three to seal the game 85-70.

By the Numbers

Cornerstone shot well from the field, shooting 53.3% to AQ's 38.3%. The Golden Eagles also shot well from three, shooting 52.2%. CU also held the advantage in rebounds (36-32), assists (26-12), blocks (5-4), bench points (21-19), and points in the paint (24-15).

Aquinas had more second-chance points (17-12) and free throws 23-9).

Blackwell led the team in points with 18, shooting 7-20 from the field and 4-8 from the free throw line. She also had one rebound, five assists, and seven steals. Her seven steals were just one shot of the Aquinas record set by Ashley Heuvelman back in 2002 and was later tied by Chelsea Matley in 2011 and 2014.

Gregwer recorded her third double-double with 17 points and 12 rebounds. This is her third double-double in just five career games for AQ. In addition, she had three assists and three blocks.

Up Next

Aquinas returns home this Wednesday (Jan. 17) for a conference match against Madonna. The doubleheader is set to tip off at 5:30 p.m.