Grand Rapids, Mich. – As the campus prepares to slip into Thanksgiving break, the Aquinas men's basketball team returns to the Sturrus for one more WHAC test — a match-up against a much-improved UM-Dearborn squad that has quickly earned league-wide respect. For the Saints, still searching for a consistent identity and rhythm early in the season, Wednesday's contest offers a valuable chance to steady the ship before the holiday pause. With conference games carrying weight from day one in the WHAC, Aquinas knows the margin for error is slim, the growth curve must stay steep, and this final pre-break showdown presents an important opportunity to show who they are becoming.

UM-Dearborn 85, Aquinas 76

Aquinas came out with energy and toughness, but UM-Dearborn's blistering shooting night created an uphill climb for the Saints inside the Sturrus Sports & Fitness Center. Caden Pokorzynski was the offensive anchor throughout the evening, powering his way to 28 points and 11 rebounds on an efficient 12-of-19 shooting night. His presence in the paint helped keep Aquinas within striking distance as the Wolverines continued to find answers on the other end.

Jordan Bledsoe added 16 points and three assists, providing steady guard play and knocking down timely shots in both halves. Devon Boyd also delivered a strong performance, finishing with 14 points and matching Bledsoe with three assists, including several drives that sparked brief AQ runs. Trey Chmielewski (five points, four rebounds) and Jacob Howard (five points) supplied meaningful minutes, helping AQ find rhythm during stretches where the Saints battled back from double-digit deficits.

Despite forcing 16 turnovers and turning them into 27 points, Aquinas struggled to overcome UM-Dearborn's remarkable 64.3% shooting effort, which included 50 points in the paint. The Saints generated 14 second-chance points and held their own on the glass, but the Wolverines' efficiency proved decisive. Even so, AQ came away encouraged by extended stretches of growth, particularly from key playmakers who continue to gain confidence as the season progresses.

This contest, although frustrating on the scoreboard, offered a valuable measuring stick for an Aquinas team still shaping its identity. As they head into the holiday break, the Saints remain determined to build off the positives and return to action sharper, more connected, and ready to take the next step in WHAC play.

Inside the Numbers

• Caden Pokorzynski: 28 points, 11 rebounds (12-for-19 FG)
• AQ scored 27 points off turnovers
• UM-Dearborn shot 64.3% from the floor with 50 points in the paint
• Saints grabbed 34 rebounds, including 13 offensive boards for 14 second-chance points

Coach's Comments

After the game, a somewhat frustrated Coach Ryan Bertoia spoke about the game, and some immediate improvements that need to take place:  "We're not where we want to be yet, but games like this show us exactly where we need to grow. I thought our guys competed, especially in the second half, and there were stretches where we looked like the team we're capable of becoming. Now the challenge is putting it together for a full 40 minutes. We'll use the break to regroup, refocus, and come back ready to take another step forward."

Up Next

The Saints will rest up and enjoy some turkey before returning to action in early December. AQ will host Rochester Christian on Wednesday, December 3, at 7:30 PM (or twenty minutes after the conclusion of the women's game). Visit AQSaints.com for live stats, streaming links, and full postgame coverage.