Grand Rapids, Mich. – Basketball has a way of creating nights that remind everyone why the game is special, and Wednesday's rivalry match-up delivered just that. With backyard WHAC foe Cornerstone visiting Mol Arena, the Saints brought energy, intensity, and focus from the opening tip, feeding off the moment and the magnitude of the match-up. Whether these two meet at the Sturrus Sports & Fitness Center or, as it was Wednesday, inside Mol Arena, the expectation is always a battle. This one lived up to the hype as Aquinas controlled the contest from start to finish.
Aquinas 68, Cornerstone 51
The Saints wasted little time setting the tone, opening the game with suffocating defense and sharp ball movement. Aquinas jumped out to a commanding 23–8 lead after the first quarter, knocking down five three-pointers and forcing Cornerstone into tough, contested looks. Emily Cline was dominant early, scoring in the paint and stretching the floor, while Rhema Dozier and Isabel Reemsnyder connected from beyond the arc. Paige Guernsey orchestrated the offense, pushing tempo and creating opportunities for her teammates as AQ built momentum it would never relinquish.
Cornerstone responded in the second quarter, matching Aquinas point-for-point, but the Saints maintained control heading into halftime with a 37–22 advantage. Out of the break, AQ continued to apply pressure, answering every Golden Eagle run with timely baskets. Reemsnyder caught fire from deep in the third quarter, while Dozier added key points and defensive stops. Cline anchored the interior on both ends, controlling the glass and finishing through contact to keep Aquinas comfortably in front.
Beyond the headline scorers, Aquinas received valuable contributions up and down the lineup that underscored the Saints' depth. Hannah Gillette provided a spark off the bench, knocking down a three-pointer and finishing with five points while also creating defensive pressure. Hope Kanouse was active on the glass, pulling down five rebounds and adding a block to anchor several key defensive possessions. Brynn Reams and Leah French supplied steady minutes, combining for rebounds, assists, and hustle plays that don't always show up in the scoring column but mattered in maintaining momentum. Collectively, the Saints' balance, ball movement, and willingness to make the extra pass kept Cornerstone from ever finding a rhythm.
In the fourth quarter, Guernsey took over at the free-throw line, calmly knocking down crucial shots to close the door. The Saints outscored Cornerstone 17–16 in the final period, showcasing composure and depth down the stretch. Cline finished with a game-high 18 points and 13 rebounds, while Guernsey added 16 points, six rebounds, and four assists. Reemsnyder also scored 16 points, knocking down four three-pointers, and Dozier chipped in 13 points as Aquinas earned a convincing rivalry win.
Coach's Comments
Head Coach Brian Morris was pleased with both the performance and the poise his team showed on the road.
"Rivalry games are never easy, especially away from home, but I thought our group came out with great energy and focus," said Morris. "We defended at a high level early, shared the basketball, and stayed composed when Cornerstone made their pushes. That balance and togetherness is what we want to see every night."
Inside the Numbers
• Aquinas led wire-to-wire and never trailed
• The Saints held Cornerstone to 31.0 percent shooting from the field
• AQ knocked down 10 three-pointers on the night
• Emily Cline posted a double-double with 18 points and 13 rebounds *career high on both
• Aquinas forced 13 turnovers and turned them into 13 points
Up Next
There's little time to rest for the Saints. After battling archrival Cornerstone on Wednesday, AQ returns home to host WHAC powerhouse Indiana Tech on Saturday. Tip-off is set for 1:00 PM, and all the makings are there for a marquee conference showdown. Stay up to date with all AQ Athletics by regularly checking AQSaints.com for stats, scores, highlights, and much more.
