GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — Some nights, the game is about more than just basketball. While the Aquinas Women's Basketball team is battling for the top seed in the WHAC, this contest was also about defeating cancer.

In a hard-fought 55-51 victory over third-place Lourdes, the Saints remained in striking distance of first place in the conference. But just as importantly, the event raised over $3,250 for UM Health-West and cancer research, as Aquinas honored those affected by the disease.

Aquinas 55, Lourdes 51

The Saints started strong, jumping out to a 12-5 lead after the first quarter. However, Lourdes responded, cutting AQ's advantage to 20-16 at halftime.

The second half was a back-and-forth battle, with both teams scoring 16 points in the third quarter and 19 in the fourth. Lourdes' closest push came just before halftime, trimming AQ's lead to 18-16 with 30 seconds left, but Paige Guernsey hit a pair of clutch free throws to keep the Saints in control.

In the third quarter, Macie Stringfellow gave Lourdes a brief one-point lead with a layup, but Brynn Reams answered with back-to-back three-pointers, pushing the Saints ahead by six. From there, AQ never looked back.

Coach Morris on the Win

After the game, Head Coach Brian Morris praised his team's toughness and defensive execution, "We knew they were going to give us their best tonight. It was a defensive battle, and it was a team win for sure. Over the last three or four weeks, I've been really happy with where we are defensively—we've been disciplined and in the right spots. Offensively, we need to be more disciplined and stop trying to do everything by ourselves—trust the team dynamics."

By the Numbers

• Claire Gregwer: 12 points, 21 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal, 1 block (10th consecutive double-double)
• Paige Guernsey: 8 points, 5 rebounds, 6 assists, 2 steals
• Ashlyn Wilkes: 12 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists, 2 steals
• Isabel Reemsnyder: 10 points, 5 rebounds
• Perfect from the Line: AQ went 10-for-10 on free throws

With the win, Aquinas improves to 18-7 overall and 15-2 in WHAC play, just half a game behind Indiana Tech for first place and three games ahead of third place.

Blackout Cancer: Playing for Something Bigger

The Saints played with extra passion in honor of those affected by cancer. Each player wore their jersey for a loved one, and all game-worn jerseys were auctioned off, with the proceeds supporting cancer research.

Senior Ashlyn Wilkes spoke about the event's impact, "I wore my jersey for my uncle, who has been battling cancer. Just knowing we're playing for a good cause—it's a great feeling."

AQ Athletic Director Dr. Ronald D. Reeves echoed that sentiment, "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 made this event possible. A special thank you goes to Tropical Smoothie Café, which generously sponsored the game and provided the grand prize of free smoothies for a year.

Up Next

The Saints travel to Madonna University on Wednesday, with tip-off set for 5:30 p.m. Every game is now huge in the battle for WHAC Conference seeding.