Box Score Grand Rapids, Mich. – Not to be redundant, but the WHAC conference is always a grind. Every season, every team, from top to bottom of the standings, is a legitimate threat to knock off any conference foe on any given night. When Aquinas welcomed Lawrence Tech to the friendly confines on Wednesday evening, the Saints and Blue Devils delivered exactly what WHAC basketball promises—an intense, physical, back-and-forth battle that wasn't decided until the final seconds.
Aquinas 58, Lawrence Tech 55
The Saints dug themselves an early hole, struggling to find rhythm offensively in the opening half as Lawrence Tech built a 25–15 halftime advantage. Aquinas shot just 20 percent from the field in the first 20 minutes, but stayed within striking distance thanks to defensive effort and rebounding, particularly from Caden Pokorzynski and Jordan Bledsoe. Cameron Moore, had a hand in three of the biggest plays in the game, on both ends of the court. Despite the deficit, the Saints never let the game slip away, setting the stage for a dramatic turnaround after the break.
The second half told a completely different story. Aquinas erupted for 43 points over the final 20 minutes, shooting better than 53 percent from the floor while steadily chipping away at the Blue Devils' lead. Pokorzynski ignited the comeback with a dominant presence in the paint and timely perimeter shooting, while Devon Boyd controlled the tempo and kept the offense organized. Bledsoe added key baskets during the run, and contributions from Tjay Jones, Nick Henry, and Kaleb Mitchelson helped maintain pressure as the Saints clawed back into the contest.
Pokorzynski led all scorers with a game-high 21 points while also pulling down 13 rebounds to anchor Aquinas on the glass. Boyd followed with 13 points and a team-best five assists, consistently setting up teammates and delivering in crucial moments. Bledsoe chipped in 10 points and seven rebounds, while Pokorzynski and Jones combined for multiple steals and blocks as the Saints forced timely stops on the defensive end.
With 4:36 remaining and the score tied, Pokorzynski calmly stepped to the free-throw line and knocked down a shot that gave Aquinas the lead for good. From there, the Saints executed in the clutch—getting defensive stops, securing rebounds, and making just enough plays offensively to hold off Lawrence Tech. The Blue Devils had one final chance to tie the game in the closing seconds, but a desperation three-point attempt rattled off the rim with four seconds remaining. Pokorzynski secured the rebound, and Aquinas sealed a hard-earned 58–55 WHAC victory.
The win improves the Saints record to 6-8 overall and 4-5 in the conference. The loss drops the Blue Devils to 9-6 overall with a WHAC record of 5-4. These two will meet again in Southfield, MI, Wednesday, February 11th.
Coach's Comments
After the game, Head Coach Ryan Bertoia spoke about the progress his team continues to make as the season moves forward.
"Tonight was a great example of our guys staying together and trusting the process," said Bertoia. "We didn't shoot it well early, but our defense and effort kept us in the game. In the second half, we shared the ball, attacked the paint, and made winning plays down the stretch. That's growth, and it's encouraging to see."
Inside the Numbers
• Aquinas outscored Lawrence Tech 43–30 in the second half
• Caden Pokorzynski posted 21 points and 13 rebounds
• The Saints shot 53.6 percent from the field after halftime
• Aquinas recorded three blocks and eight steals defensively
• Lawrence Tech was held without a field goal over the final 1:47
Up Next
An unusual Sunday basketball doubleheader is on deck for Aquinas. The Saints Women's team will take on Defiance at 1:00 PM, with the AQ Men's squad tipping off 20 minutes after the conclusion of the women's contest. For complete coverage including stats, scores, highlights, and more, be sure to visit AQSaints.com.
