Grand Rapids, Mich. — As February rolls into its second week, the margin for error continues to shrink for teams fighting on the WHAC bubble, and Saturday afternoon was another reminder of just how thin that line can be. Aquinas once again found itself digging out of an early hole, spotting Lourdes a 15–0 lead before settling into the game. The Saints showed resolve and toughness the rest of the way, but the early deficit proved too much to overcome.
Lourdes 86, Aquinas 80
Lourdes came out firing, capitalizing on early turnovers and quick looks to build a commanding first-half advantage. Aquinas gradually found its rhythm behind strong interior play from Caden Pokorzynski and steady scoring from Devon Boyd, but the Saints still trailed 43–32 at the break. Pokorzynski was active on the glass all afternoon, consistently creating second-chance opportunities, while Boyd kept AQ within reach with timely baskets and trips to the free-throw line.
The second half reflected much of Aquinas' season to date: grit, energy, and a refusal to fold. The Saints poured in 48 points after halftime, cutting the deficit to single digits multiple times and briefly threatening to turn the momentum. Boyd finished with 22 points, while Pokorzynski posted a strong all-around effort with 17 points and a game-high 14 rebounds. David Day provided a spark off the bench with 16 points, and Tjay Jones added 11, as Aquinas continued to chip away but could never quite draw even.
Despite outscoring Lourdes in the second half and shooting efficiently down the stretch, the Saints were unable to fully erase the early damage. Lourdes answered each Aquinas push with timely baskets and free throws, maintaining control in the final minutes to secure the win. Following the contest, Aquinas drops to 9–14 overall and 7–11 in WHAC play, while Lourdes improves to 18–6 overall and 12–6 in the conference.
Inside the Numbers
• Aquinas outscored Lourdes 48–43 in the second half
• Caden Pokorzynski recorded 17 points and 14 rebounds (Double-Double)
• Devon Boyd led all Saints with 22 points
• AQ shot 75 percent from the free-throw line
• The Saints cut the deficit to as few as two points in the second half (72-70)
Coach's Comments
Coach Ryan Bertoia spoke about the challenge of playing from behind after the game:
"We keep showing that we can compete with anyone in this league, but you can't spot good teams a lead and expect it to be easy," Bertoia said. "I loved the fight and the togetherness in the second half. Now it's about starting games with that same urgency and carrying it for forty minutes."
Up Next
The Saints will head to Southfield, Michigan on Wednesday night for a primetime road test at Lawrence Tech, as Aquinas looks to bring the energy in a key conference match-up. Tip-off is set for 7:30 PM (or 20 minutes after the women's game), with WHAC play continuing deep into the conference schedule as AQ pushes to secure a top-eight finish and a spot in the WHAC Tournament. Be sure to visit AQSaints.com for live stats, full coverage, and postgame recaps from around Aquinas Athletics.
