MARION, Ind. – The Spring Arbor University men's basketball team participated in the Crossroads League/WHAC Challenge over the weekend, facing off against Aquinas College and No. 1 ranked Cornerstone University.
The Cougars opened play with a narrow 85-84 loss to Aquinas on Friday before falling to the defending national champions 94-41 on Saturday.
"A lot of work to do but we have some things to be encouraged about," said head coach Ryan Cottingham. "Playing the No. 1 team in the nation was a great opportunity to gauge where we are and where we are trying to go. It will certainly help prepare us for the Crossroads League"
Senior Greg Hamilton scored a career-high 31 points to lead Spring Arbor in the game against Aquinas. Hamilton went 10-for-15 from the field, including 4-for-7 from behind the arc.
Four other Cougars also scored in double figures, including junior Thomas Starks who posted a double-double with 12 points and 12 rebounds. Sophomore Zach Medendorp finished with 15 points and eight rebounds. Freshman Anthony Qasawa and junior Caleb Hogans added 13 and 10 points, respectively.
Spring Arbor returned to the court the following day against the nation's top team in Cornerstone.
Qasawa paced the Cougars with 12 points while Hogans added eight. Hogans and Starks led the team with four rebounds apiece.
Up next, Spring Arbor (1-2) will take on NCAA Division II Ferris State University in an exhibition game held at Thornapple Kellogg High School in Middleville, Michigan on Tuesday, Nov. 3. The Cougars will then host Marygrove College in their home opener on Monday, Nov. 9 at 7:30 p.m.
Men's Basketball Contact: Chris Bauman | 517-750-6504 | christopher.bauman@arbor.edu
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