Goshen, Ind. – The pre-conference portion of the season always moves faster than expected, and for the Aquinas Saints, the early grind came and went in a flash. While there are still a few weeks left in November, the schedule has already shifted toward the demanding reality of WHAC play. But before turning fully to conference competition, AQ wrapped up its non-conference slate with a road trip to Goshen, looking to sharpen its identity and build momentum against the Maple Leafs.

Goshen 71, Aquinas 65

Aquinas started the afternoon battling from behind, working to overcome an early double-digit deficit as Devon Boyd led the offensive charge with 16 points and his trademark attacking style. Caden Pokorzynski was a force inside and on the boards, registering a massive 13-rebound performance to go go with 13 points, keeping the Saints within reach for much of the contest. Trey Chmielewski added 11 points on efficient shooting while grabbing key rebounds in transition. Freshman guard David Day contributed four points and three boards, while Cameron Moore knocked down a three and added three rebounds and three assists to provide steady minutes on both ends.

Off the bench, Jack Futa sparked the Saints with 10 points and four rebounds, giving AQ a needed boost during stretches when the offense stalled. Malachi DenBraber, Nick Henry, and Jordan Bledsoe added valuable depth, with DenBraber hitting a three, Henry finishing strong at the line, and Bledsoe tallying three assists and three steals. The Saints trimmed the deficit multiple times in the second half—at one point closing to within two—but each time Goshen responded with timely baskets to regain control. Despite the late push, turnover issues and cold stretches from beyond the arc kept Aquinas from fully completing the comeback.

In the final moments, AQ continued to battle, with Boyd scoring late and Pokorzynski converting key free throws, but Goshen held on by executing just enough at the line. The Saints' effort—highlighted by strong rebounding, hustle plays, and stretches of gritty defense—showed a team gaining valuable experience. Though the result slipped away, the performance offered promising building blocks as the Saints shift their focus to the grind of WHAC play.

Inside the Numbers
     • 16 points from Boyd, including 4-for-4 at the line
     • 13 points and 13 rebounds for Pokorzynski
     • 11 points and six boards from Chmielewski
     • 10 points off the bench from Futa

Coach's Comments
Following the hard-fought loss on the road, Head Coach Ryan Bertoia spoke about the importance of playing a complete game:
"When you're on the road in a tight battle like this, the margin for error becomes razor thin. We put ourselves in position late, but too many self-inflicted mistakes cost us opportunities we needed. These are lessons we'll carry forward—because in conference play, 40 full minutes of discipline and execution are non-negotiable."

Up Next
The Saints continue their three-game road swing on Wednesday as they open WHAC play at Cleary, with tip-off set for 7:30 PM. For live stats, streaming access, and complete postgame coverage, visit AQSaints.com.