Livonia, Mich. — What has become the most frustrating game show on the AQ campus aired its latest episode Thursday night in Livonia. The name of the game? Name That Team.
When AQ invaded Madonna in the first round of the WHAC Tournament, the question Coach Bertoia, the Crusaders, the AQ fan base — and heck, the entire Wolverine-Hoosier Athletic Conference — were asking was simple: Which Saints Men's Basketball team would show up?
The one that defeated Madonna and Indiana Tech? Or the one that stumbled against UNOH, Defiance, and UM-Dearborn — twice?
It's been a frustrating show to watch at times. But when the stakes are highest, the episodes can be the most entertaining. The Saints earned the right to be in the WHAC Tournament as the No. 8 seed. They earned a shot.
When the dust cleared, it was Madonna moving on.
Madonna 95, Aquinas 85
The final score tells part of the story. The first half told another.
Aquinas actually struck first and briefly led 6–4 early, but the momentum swung quickly. Madonna shot a blistering 66 percent from the field in the opening half and used an 18–0 run to seize complete control of the game.
That run stretched the deficit into double figures and eventually ballooned to 26 points midway through the second half.
And yet, the Saints did not quit.
Devon Boyd led Aquinas with 17 points, attacking the paint early and knocking down a late three during AQ's closing push. Tjay Jones added 16 points, battling inside and getting to the free throw line when the Saints needed production. Caden Pokorzynski finished with 11 points and eight rebounds, throwing down a second-half dunk and adding a three as part of the comeback effort.
Kaleb Mitchelson provided a spark off the bench with 10 points on 4-of-5 shooting, while David Day added seven, including a three-pointer during the late run. Cameron Moore hit a pair of triples and finished with eight points, and freshman Jordan Bledsoe chipped in six points and four rebounds.
The Saints trailed 50–37 at the half but came out swinging in the second. AQ shot 46 percent from beyond the arc after halftime and put 48 points on the board over the final 20 minutes.
They cut into the margin. They forced turnovers. They made shots.
But they could never quite get over the hump.
Every time Aquinas seemed poised to truly threaten, Madonna had an answer — a put-back, a transition finish, or a tough bucket in traffic. The Crusaders finished the night shooting 62 percent overall and scored 50 points in the paint.
Still, the Saints closed on a run, trimming what had been a 27-point deficit to 10 by the final horn.
Too little. Too late.
Aquinas finishes the season 11–17 overall and 9–13 in WHAC play. Madonna advances to the conference semifinals.
WHAC Conference Recognition
While the season ended Thursday night, the conference recognition speaks loudly about the talent within this program.
Caden Pokorzynski earned First Team All-Conference honors and was also named to the WHAC All-Defensive Team, a testament to his two-way impact throughout the season. Joining him in postseason honors was senior guard Devon Boyd, who earned Second Team All-Conference recognition after serving as one of the Saints' most consistent scorers and leaders.
Freshman Jordan Bledsoe was named to the WHAC All-Freshman Team, signaling a bright future in burgundy and gold. Graduate guard Sammy Jacobs earned a place on the Champion of Character Team, reflecting the leadership and integrity he brought to the program daily.
In the classroom, Trey Chmielewski, David Day, Samuel Jacobs, Kaleb Mitchelson, and Cameron Moore were named to the WHAC All-Academic Team, posting cumulative GPAs of 3.25 or higher.
The future is not empty.
Inside the Numbers
• 85 — Points scored by Aquinas, including 48 in the second half.
• 26 — Largest deficit the Saints faced before rallying late.
• 17 — Points from Devon Boyd to lead AQ.
• 8 — Rebounds from Caden Pokorzynski in a strong two-way effort.
• 27 — Bench points, highlighted by Kaleb Mitchelson's 10.
Coach's Comments
After the game, acting Head Coach Ryan Bertoia reflected on the roller coaster season and the group he led:
"I told our guys in the locker room that I love this team. We didn't always get it right, but they never stopped working. They showed up every day, they competed, and they represented Aquinas the right way. That matters. We learned some hard lessons this year, and those lessons will fuel what we become next season."
Up Next
The 2025–26 season is officially in the books, but this group — inconsistent at times, resilient at others — worked hard and represented the Saint community with pride. The seniors leave behind more than statistics; they leave behind leadership and brotherhood that will be missed on campus and on game days. Coach Bertoia will have this program ready for 2026–27, and do not be surprised if the Saints are in serious contention for a WHAC crown next winter.
For more information on anything and everything involving AQ Athletics, please visit AQSaints.com for game coverage, live stats, and streaming information.
Saints March On.
