LIVONIA, Mich. – The Madonna Crusaders Women's Basketball team returned home for the frontend of a short two-game homestand as they went up against undefeated the Saints from Siena Heights University. The Crusaders fought hard all the way to the final buzzer, but lopsided first and fourth quarters were the difference in the game on the way to an 86-66 loss.

The Crusaders record now sits at 2-6 overall with a 0-3 conference record, while the Saints stay undefeated and are now 6-0 and 4-0 in conference play.

HOW IT HAPPENED:

• Both teams came out and were shooting the ball right away. Baskets from Sydney Brown and Hannah Reinhold tied the game at six early on in the game, but the Saints broke the game open with a 10-0 on a variety of different shots. The Crusaders would not give in early though as they battled back to make it only a nine-point deficit at the end of the first as they ended on a 14-15 run.
• The second quarter was a lot of back and forth play between the two teams were making shots at both ends of the court and neither team was able to get a defensive stand. The Saints held an 11-point lead going into the break.
• To begin the second half the Crusaders went on a quick 6-2 to cut the score to a seven-point game thanks to baskets from Brown, Reinhold, and Victoria Guardiola to keep the lead at a nine-point differential.
• The fourth quarter was once again Saints territory as they were able to push the lead out to 20 points as the Crusaders defense could not stop the Saints from extending the lead. 

INSIDE THE NUMBERS:

• 5: Reinhold led the team with 22 points and 10 rebounds
• 31: The Crusaders finished with 31 rebounds including 6 offensive and 25 rebounds, leading the Crusaders was Reinhold with 10 rebounds. While the Saints with 43 rebounds including 16 offensive and 27 defensives and were led by Shelby Morrow with 10 rebounds.
• 49.1%:  The Blue and Gold shot a season-high 49.1% from the floor today, while the Saints shot at a 47.2% clip
• 13: Brown was second on the team with 18 points, 9 rebounds, and 2 steals

UP NEXT:

• The Crusaders will close out the November schedule and stay at home for the backend of the homestand and will go up against Rochester University on Tuesday, November 26 with a 5:30 tipoff.
• Live coverage will be available via the Madonna Athletics Network at mucrusaders.com/live 

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