Spring Arbor Men’s Basketball Cruises in Return To the Court

Mike Grant looks to pass while coach Ryan Cottingham looks on during Spring Arbor’s win over Adrian.  Photo courtesy Spring Arbor University.

(January 16, 2021 8:09 PM) For the first time since December 5, the Spring Arbor University men’s basketball team got back on the court. Over the last month, SAU had to cancel multiple games and stop practicing due to COVID-19, but head coach Ryan Cottingham and the Cougars were ready for their long-awaited return, going on the road and defeating Adrian College 78-60 on Saturday.  

Adrian led 12-8 in the early stages, but Spring Arbor used an 18-3 run to take a double-digit lead.  The Bulldogs were able to get within three, 28-25, before halftime, but the Cougars broke the game open in the second half. A barrage of 3-pointers over a three-minute span, including two from Connor Cottingham, turned an eight-point game into a 20-point SAU advantage.

Brandon Durnell recorded his fourth double-double of the season with 17 points and 10 rebounds. Daniel Cluster finished with 15 points while Joshua Laman had a career-high 11. Nate Flannery finished the day with 10 points, eight rebounds and four assists.

Spring Arbor shot 54 percent (30-for-56) while going 9-for-19 from 3-point range. The Cougars held Adrian to 38 percent (23-for-60) shooting.

On the season, Spring Arbor is now 3-5, Adrian 0-7.

Up next, Spring Arbor will host Olivet College on Monday, Jan. 18 at 7 p.m. A reminder of the SAU Athletics Spectator Policy, no fans are permitted at the game, but the game will be streamed live at saucougars.com/csn.