pierce
69
Madonna MADONNA 5-15, 3-12
75
Winner Cornerstone (MI) CORNERST 9-12, 7-8
Madonna MADONNA
5-15, 3-12
69
Final
75
Cornerstone (MI) CORNERST
9-12, 7-8
Winner
Score By Periods
Team 1 2 3 4 F
Madonna MADONNA 15 21 16 17 69
Cornerstone (MI) CORNERST 19 21 19 16 75

Game Recap: Women's Basketball |

Crusaders Comes Up Just Short in 75-69 Road Battle at Cornerstone

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich.-- Madonna University's women's basketball team pushed Cornerstone (MI) to the final seconds on Wednesday night but fell 75-69 in a tightly contested Wolverine-Hoosier Athletic Conference matchup at Mol Arena.

HOW IT HAPPENED:
The Crusaders trailed most of the second half yet remained within striking distance behind a balanced offensive effort and strong work on the glass. After Cornerstone built multiple double-digit cushions in the third quarter, Madonna battled back to tie the game 59-59 with 6:52 remaining when Faith Jungwirth finished a layup off a feed from Pierce Cephas. Cornerstone responded with timely 3-point shooting and late free throws, including two from Julie Ashbaugh with one second left, to keep Madonna from completing the comeback.
Cornerstone's outside shooting ultimately proved to be the difference. The Golden Eagles shot 46.3% from the field and 50.0% from beyond the arc, knocking down 11 3-pointers on the night. Guard Jaxi Long led all scorers with 22 points, hitting 5-of-6 from 3-point range, and consistently answered Crusader runs with momentum-shifting shots, including a triple at the 6:39 mark of the third quarter that extended the Cornerstone lead to 52-42.
Madonna's offense kept pace for much of the night, finishing at 42.4% shooting and 28.0% from 3-point range. Cephas paced the Crusaders with 20 points on 8-of-16 shooting, adding four rebounds and four steals while attacking both ends of the floor. Adoreya Williams provided perimeter scoring with 18 points and three 3-pointers, including an early triple that gave Madonna a brief first-quarter lead at 3-2. The Crusaders went into halftime down just 40-36 after Cephas knocked down two free throws with five seconds remaining in the second quarter.

Inside, Jungwirth delivered a standout double-double, posting 12 points and a game-high 12 rebounds, including seven offensive boards that helped Madonna generate second-chance opportunities. Her late-game presence was crucial as the Crusaders mounted a final push; a putback in the paint with 47 seconds left cut the Cornerstone advantage to 71-69 and gave Madonna a chance in the closing minute. Cornerstone, however, converted at the line and got the necessary defensive stops to hold on.
Team-wide, Madonna held a 35-30 edge on the glass and grabbed 14 offensive rebounds, helping offset Cornerstone's efficient perimeter shooting. The Crusaders also forced 11 turnovers and came up with seven steals, using active hands on the perimeter to generate transition chances. Cornerstone answered with 18 assists on 25 made field goals and nine steals of its own, keeping the Crusaders from fully seizing momentum despite multiple runs.

UP NEXT:
Despite the loss, the performance at Mol Arena highlighted several positives for Madonna, including strong scoring from Cephas and Williams and a dominant rebounding effort from Jungwirth. The Crusaders stayed within two possessions late against one of the conference's better shooting teams and will look to build on the effort as league play continues. The Crusaders will return home on Saturday, January 31st to take on Siena Heights University. Tip-off is set for 1:00 PM.
 
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