Wolverine-Hoosier Athletic Conference

Posted by Crystal Laska - Mon, Nov 26, 2007 - [ Men's Basketball ] - Viewed 406 times

The Aquinas College men's basketball team won the Grand Rapids Sports Hall of Fame basketball tournament at Cornerstone over Thanksgiving weekend.

The Saints defeated Hope College on Friday nite in overtime 78-69. Senior Jeff Wierzbicki made a 3 point goal at the buzzer in regulation to send the game into overtime. The Saints went on to overpower Hope before 3,000 people.

On Saturday nite the Saints defeated Calvin College 90-88 in double overtime as Pedja Lazic put in a basket with three seconds remaining. Aquinas saw three players finish with double doubles, Lazic scored 20 points with 13 rebounds, John Lierman posted 26 points with 12 rebounds, and Wierzbicki added 12 points and 10 rebounds. The Saints John Lierman was awarded the Ray McCahill Memorial Most Valuable Player Award for his efforts in both games and Wierzbicki was also named to the All tournament team. It was Aquinas' first tournament championship in the west michigan talent match-up.

"To beat Hope and Calvin in the same weekend on back-to-back nights is something we are extremely proud of here," coach Dave Hammer said.