WARRIORS FALL IN DOUBLE-OVERTIME THRILLER TO CORNERSTONE

ROCHESTER HILLS, Mich. - The Warriors were on the heartbreaking end of a double-overtime thriller in Garth Pleasant Arena on Wednesday night, falling to the Cornerstone Golden Eagles 81-78. In front of a packed crowd at Garth Pleasant Arena, both teams went back and forth for an electrifying second half, sparked by the Warriors coming back from down 18. Jacey Somers and Samone Andrews combined for 47 points in the contest, while forward Ashley Loon knocked down a three with four seconds remaining in the fourth quarter to send the game to extra periods. 

THE RUNDOWN

FIRST HALF

It was a very slow first quarter for both teams, with RCU heading out of the quarter leading 11-9. Andrews gave the Warriors the biggest spark of the opening period, scoring five points including a left-wing three to start the game. While the Warriors held the Golden Eagles to just 4-19 shooting, RCU's eight turnovers gave the Golden Eagles opportunities to stay within a possession. 

The second period was all Cornerstone, with the visitors completely flipping the script, shooting 62.5% from the field, and outscoring RCU 23-9. The Warriors couldn't get much going offensively, struggling to hit layups inside the paint. Heading into halftime down 32-20, there was work to be done for RCU. 

SECOND HALF

The game script seemed to trend in the same direction to start the third quarter, with the Golden Eagles jumping out to a 48-29 lead. However, a big and-one by Somers gave RCU life, and the Warriors dominated the final three minutes of the third quarter. Somers and forward Emily Lockey attacked the basket and got to the free throw line, helping cut the deficit down to 11 heading into the fourth quarter. 

Somers and Andrews kept it up with a 5-0 run to begin the fourth quarter, and RCU was rolling with the crowd. Melanie Moore was a major part of the Warriors' run, grabbing multiple offensive rebounds that set up critical second-chance baskets. In transition, Somers would run out after a steal and knock down a three to cut the lead to 52-49 with six minutes remaining, forcing a timeout. From that point, the game became a back-and-forth affair, with Cornerstone steadily maintaining a one-possession lead while the Warriors hustled for baskets on the other end. 

With five seconds remaining, the Warriors found themselves down three after free throws by the Golden Eagles. Off an inbounds play, Loon found separation on the wing and got a kick out pass from Somers. Over the outstretched arms of a defender, Loon swished a three and sent the game into OT. 

OVERTIMES

The first overtime was another game of tug-of-war, with both teams matching in point totals. The Warriors recovered from a four-point deficit thanks to effort on the offensive glass by Moore, who scored an and-one off a putback tip. Moore's offensive rebounding came up big again with a minute to go, helping RCU tie the game after getting fouled on the rebound. Neither team scored in the final minute, and fans were in for another five minutes of free basketball. 

RCU remained in lockstep with the Golden Eagles for the first three minutes of overtime, but the Golden Eagles built separation with a score off a turnover. Andrews nailed a three on the next possession to keep RCU within one, but the Golden Eagles played stout defense to prevent RCU from tying the game again. 

STAT OF THE GAME

Andrews' 20 points were a career-high. 

UP NEXT

The Warriors travel to face the Lourdes Gray Wolves on Wednesday, Feb. 5. 

Hussein Murray - RCU Athletic Communications

Featured Image: Xander Slate - RCU Athletics