Grand Rapids, Mich. – It is said the holiday season sends stress levels soaring for the average person — but that had nothing on the tension inside the Sturrus Sports & Fitness Center during the second half of Saturday's WHAC showdown between Aquinas and Madonna. With Head Coach Ryan Bertoia still home sick for the second straight game, the Saints once again turned to acting head coach Joel Ledvina to guide a group still smarting from Wednesday's narrow two-point setback. What they delivered was a gritty, resilient performance that ended with a much-needed victory and a raucous celebration from the AQ crowd.

Aquinas 83, Madonna 77

The Saints leaned early and often on the dominant inside presence of Caden Pokorzynski, who recorded a sensational 20-point, 21-rebound masterpiece while setting the tone physically on both ends of the floor. Cameron Moore added major firepower from the perimeter, finishing with 18 points and burying five triples, including a momentum-shifting dagger late in the second half. Devon Boyd delivered one of his steadiest efforts of the season with 14 points and 6 assists, while Jordan Bledsoe (11 points) and Tjay Jones (9 points, 4 rebounds) stabilized the AQ offense during key stretches.

Aquinas also benefited from timely production off the bench. Freshman guard Nick Henry energized the building with a thunderous first-half dunk as part of his 6 points. Jacob Howard buried a crucial second-half three-pointer, and Kaleb Mitchelson facilitated the offense with three important assists. The core rotation provided balanced, disciplined play throughout a matchup that required contributions from every Saint on the floor.

Madonna's talented trio of guards kept the pressure on all afternoon. Their combined efforts forced Aquinas to execute with focus and physicality in the game's final minutes.

In the closing stretch, the Saints showcased the composure they had been searching for. After trailing by eight late, Aquinas tightened the defensive screws, secured crucial rebounds from Pokorzynski, and received steady free-throw shooting from Boyd to chip away. A key defensive stand and a transition opportunity swung momentum firmly back in AQ's favor. When Madonna was forced to foul, Pokorzynski calmly sank two enormous free throws with 17 seconds remaining to push the lead to two possessions. Boyd sealed the victory seconds later at the line, delivering a holiday-season thriller and a confidence-building WHAC win.

2025 Holiday Hoops

Aquinas Athletics would like to thank all who attended Saturday's basketball doubleheader and generously donated to the AQ Pantry, contributing non-perishable food items and bathroom necessities. It was a festive and memorable day that featured Santa Claus broadcasting the game, a spirited performance by the AQ Pep Band, routines from the AQ Dance Team and AQ Cheerleading Team, an appearance by the K-Pop Dance Club, and dozens of staff and students dressed in Christmas sweaters and holiday costumes. It was a perfect reminder of the incredible community spirit that continues to shine at Aquinas.

Inside the Numbers

     • Pokorzynski: 20 points, 21 rebounds, 6 assists
     • Moore: 18 points, 5 made threes
     • Boyd: 14 points, 6 assists
     • Bledsoe + Jones combined: 20 points, 7 rebounds
     • Aquinas shot 52.6% from three (10-for-19)

Coach's Comments

After the game, acting Head Coach Joel Ledvina reflected on the effort:
"I couldn't be more proud of how our guys responded tonight. With Coach Bertoia home sick again, this group took ownership of every possession and refused to let Wednesday define them. We had players step up in every role, and the way we finished the last few minutes shows the kind of toughness and belief this team is building. Tonight was a total team win, and Coach Bertoia should be very proud of them."

Up Next

The Saints are back at it tomorrow on the road with a challenging non-conference test in Bowling Green, Ohio against the MAC Falcons of BGSU at the Stroh Center — "The Nest." Tip-off is scheduled for 4:00 PM and can be seen on ESPN+. Visit AQSaints.com for game coverage, live stats, and streaming information.