FORT WAYNE, Ind. — A late first-half push proved to be the difference as No. 1 Cornerstone defeated second-ranked Union College 69-54 on Saturday at the Northern Lake Insurance Classic.

The classic was hosted by Saint Francis in Fort Wayne, Indiana.

Union (0-2 overall) held the early advantage, taking an 8-2 lead following a Miles Harrison bucket with 15:44 to go in the half. Cornerstone (2-2 overall) countered with a 15-5 stretch to claim a four-point edge with 9:36 left.

K.J. Duronslet buried a 3-pointer to pull Union within 17-16 at the 9:19 mark, but Cornerstone closed out the period on a 17-4 run to take a 34-20 lead at the break.

In the second half, the Bulldogs were never able to threaten the Golden Eagles, who maintained at least a 12-point lead throughout. Cornerstone led by as much as 22 points en route to the 69-54 decision.

Union is 1-1 all-time versus Cornerstone with the victory coming in the 2017 NAIA Division II National Championship game.

Seth Cox led Union with 12 points, while Kamall Richards added 10.

For Cornerstone, Sam Vander Sluis set the tone with 26 points and 12 rebounds with Kyle Steigenga following with 21 points and 13 rebounds.

Up Next

Union travels to Wilmore on Tuesday to face Asbury. Tipoff is set for 8 p.m.