THE BASICS
Score: Madonna 72, Rochester 73
Record: MU (0-20, 0-12 WHAC), RC (14-8, 8-5 WHAC)
Location: MU Activities Center - Livonia, Mich.

LIVONIA, Mich. - The Madonna University women's basketball team was five seconds away from its first win of the season, but a last second jumper, as time expired, found the bottom of the net as Rochester College dashed the would-be comeback win for the Crusaders, 73-72 on Friday night.

Playing a day earlier and two hours later than normal due to weather concerns on Saturday, the Blue and Gold hung tough and battled back from as many as 11 down to have a chance at the win. It was an even first half as the teams went into the break tied at 28. Rochester led by as many as nine in the first quarter, but Madonna closed the period on a 6-2 run with four points coming from Hannah Reinhold.

Rochester led by as many as 10 in the third and lead by eight, 51-43, with 10 minutes to play. A 3-pointer followed by a pair of free throws gave the Warriors an 11-point margin, but the Crusaders didn't back down. Instead, Madonna used aggressive defense to turn the tide as the Crusaders held Rochester scoreless for 4:30 during which time they used a 19-0 run to take a 64-56 lead. Sheldon Bochenek scored eight points in the run and Naomi Davis and Reinhold each knocked down big three's.

The Warriors responded with a 9-1 rally to take the lead, but Reinhold answered with a trey from long range to go back in front. An RC free throw tied the game, but a miss gave MU the advantage and Davis converted a layup for the 72-70 lead with 41 seconds to play. RC converted a free throw and a pair of misses for MU gave the visitors a chance and a last second jumper found the net to give the Warriors the win.

TURNING POINT

• Warriors score final three points, including buzzer-beater jumper to end Crusaders comeback.

INDIVIDUAL LEADERS

• Sydney Brown finished with 22 points, seven rebounds, five steals and five assists while Reinhold poured in 17 off the bench and Bochenek netted 10.

INSIDE THE BOX SCORE

• All three of Madonna's 3-pointers came in the fourth quarter while Rochester made 11 in the contest.
• The Crusaders went 19-for-27 (70.4%) from the free throw line while the Warriors attempted just 14 and converted eight (57.1%).
• The biggest difference maker was on the glass as RC won the rebound battle 42-31 with 23 of those being on the offensive boards.

RACHEL'S REMARKS

• "We are starting to believe in ourselves. Practices are getting better, we are starting to get it. Our freshmen are having that epiphany moment and it's great to see. We've had girls start to step up and succeed and it's good to see. Tonight was tough, but we are on the right path." - MU Head Coach Rachel Steinbarger
• "Our effort tonight is a win. These girls have no reason to hang their heads. I feel our game is a product of our practice and as our practices have improved so has our performance and we are headed in the right direction." - Steinbarger

UP NEXT

• The Crusaders make a trip to Southfield on Wednesday, Jan. 23 as they visit Lawrence Technological University at 5:30 p.m.
• Live coverage links will be available at www.mucrusaders.com.

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