GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — Some nights, the impact of an event extends beyond the scoreboard. While the Aquinas Men's Basketball team took pride in hosting the first annual Blackout Cancer Game, they were less pleased with the outcome on the court, falling to Lourdes 66-36 at the Sturrus Sports & Fitness Center.

The game was tightly contested in the first half, with the Saints trailing by just two points (25-23) at the break. However, a key momentum shift occurred just before halftime when Terrance Jones was leveled by a hard screen and had to be helped up by teammates. While the play was ruled legal by officials, the energy shifted decisively in Lourdes' favor. The Gray Wolves capitalized in the second half, outscoring Aquinas 41-13 to pull away for the victory.

Despite the loss, the event made a significant impact, raising over $4,000 for UM Health-West and cancer research, as Aquinas honored those affected by the disease by wearing jerseys with names of loved ones impacted by cancer.

Lourdes 66, Aquinas 36

The Saints struggled offensively, shooting just 24.6% from the field and 2-of-19 from three-point range. Meanwhile, Lourdes shot 44.4% overall and a red-hot 50% (9-of-16) from beyond the arc in the second half, fueling their dominant run.

Rebounding was even, with both teams securing 39 boards, but Lourdes' depth proved to be a difference-maker as nine Gray Wolves found the scoresheet, compared to eight for Aquinas, with no Saints player reaching double figures.

With the loss, Aquinas falls to 12-12 overall and 8-9 in WHAC play. The Saints still have work to do as they battle for positioning in the WHAC Tournament.

Coach Bertoia on the Loss

Following the game, Head Coach Ryan Bertoia reflected on his team's performance, "We played a great defensive first half, but we allowed our lack of scoring to influence our defense in the second half. For us, the defense needs to spark the offense, not the other way around. If we can continue to defend like we did in the first half, I like this group to make a run."

By the Numbers

• Terrance Jones: 8 points, 7 rebounds, 1 steal
• Caden Pokorzynski: 4 points, 8 rebounds, 2 steals
• Devon Boyd: 7 points, 5 rebounds, 3 steals
• Ryan Weir: 3 points, 3 rebounds, 3 steals off the bench
• Cold Shooting Night: AQ shot 2-of-19 (10.5%) from three-point range

Blackout Cancer: Playing for a Bigger Cause

Despite the tough loss, the Saints played with extra passion, honoring those affected by cancer. Each player wore their jersey for a loved one, and all game-worn jerseys were auctioned off, with proceeds benefiting cancer research through UM Health-West.

AQ Athletic Director Dr. Ronald D. Reeves spoke about the event's significance, "It's exciting to put something like this together. One way or another, we've all been affected by cancer, and when the clock hits zero, some things are more important than the final score."

Aquinas College and UM Health-West extend their gratitude to everyone who donated and supported the cause. A special thank you goes to Tropical Smoothie Café, which generously sponsored the event and provided the grand prize of free smoothies for a year.

Up Next

The Saints hit the road to face Madonna University on Wednesday, with tip-off scheduled for 7:30 p.m. (or 30 minutes after the conclusion of the women's game). With the WHAC Tournament approaching, every game is crucial in the battle for conference seeding.