Grand Rapids, Mich. -- With the final exams in the books, the AQ men's basketball team can fully shift its focus to improvement, chemistry, and discovering the consistency needed to stay in the WHAC race deep into the season. Coach Ryan Bertoia's squad delivered its best complementary game of the 2025-26 campaign, pairing disciplined defense with balanced scoring and a deep bench effort to earn a conference victory at the Sturrus Sports & Fitness Center.

Aquinas 60, UNOH 49

The Saints established control early by defending with purpose and sharing the ball, building confidence on both ends of the floor. Caden Pokorzynski set the tone inside, recording a powerful double-double with 22 points and 10 rebounds while anchoring the paint defensively.

Jacob Howard gave Aquinas a significant lift off the bench, finishing with 15 points while knocking down three triples and attacking the glass. Devon Boyd contributed nine points and helped orchestrate the offense, consistently pushing the pace and creating opportunities.

Cameron Moore connected on a timely three-pointer and handed out four assists, helping the Saints maintain offensive flow. Tjay Jones provided six points and steady defensive minutes, while Jordan Bledsoe impacted the game with physical defense and three assists. Kaleb Mitchelson filled multiple roles, tallying five points, four rebounds, and four assists while doing the little things that don't always show up in the box score.

Samuel Medendorp added toughness and rebounding in reserve minutes, along with two assists and a blocked shot. Nick Henry contributed on the glass and brought energy defensively when called upon. David Day also provided solid minutes, helping the Saints maintain pressure late in the contest.

Aquinas responded well each time momentum threatened to swing, using timely stops and smart possessions to preserve separation. The Saints' unselfishness stood out throughout the night, as the ball consistently found the open man. Defensive intensity and bench production proved to be the difference, allowing AQ to close out the win with composure. It was a performance that reflected growth, trust, and a clear step forward for the Saints as conference play continues.

Inside the Numbers
     • 19 assists on 22 made field goals
     • 42 total rebounds, including 16 offensive boards
     • 22 points and 10 rebounds from Caden Pokorzynski (Poke double-double)
     • 15 points off the bench from Jacob Howard
     • Held UNOH to 30.8 percent shooting from the field

Coach's Comments
After the game, acting head coach Ryan Bertoia reflected on the effort, team defense, and contributions up and down the bench:
"This was the most connected we've been all season," said Bertoia. "Our guys defended together, trusted the pass, and everyone who stepped on the floor gave us something positive. When you play with that kind of energy and unselfishness, good things happen, and that's the standard we're continuing to build toward."

Up Next
The Saints are back at it Saturday on the road with a non-conference test in Notre Dame, Indiana, against Holy Cross. Tip-off is scheduled for 3:00 PM. Aquinas will then take part in a men's followed by a women's exhibition doubleheader on Sunday with GVSU. Visit AQSaints.com for game coverage, live stats, and streaming information.