LIVONIA, Mich. – The Madonna Crusaders Women's Basketball team closed out the first semester and started winter break with a Wolverine-Hoosier Athletic Conference matchup against the Golden Eagles of Cornerstone University. The defensive battle went back and forth, but a big second half from the Golden Eagles was the difference in the 67-60 victory.

The Crusaders record now sits at 2-10 overall with a 0-7 conference record, while the Golden Eagles record will now improve to 2-13 and earn their first conference win to go to 1-6.

HOW IT HAPPENED:

• The game started out with a real defensive battle and both teams went back and forth with the defensive stops. The Golden Eagles went on a 7-4 run to end the quarter Leading the Crusaders in the quarter was Hannah Reinhold
• After a quick four points for Cornerstone the Crusaders went on an 11-4 run to tie the game up at 20 with baskets from Claire LeRoux, Paige Boden and Reinhold. The scoring went back and forth until the Crusaders ended the half on a 7-2 run which ended on a Victoria Guardiola layup. Leading the Crusaders was Guardiola and Reinhold.
• Both teams were able to come out hot as the scoring went both ways until the Golden Eagles tied the game up at 40. The Golden Eagles were able to take a two-point lead in the last 10 seconds which they would hold until the end. Leading the Crusaders in the quarter was LeRoux and Guardiola.
• The Crusaders kept the game close as they were able to keep it a one score differential but in the end in part of a 9-2 run was the big difference in the final quarter. Leading the Crusaders in the quarter was LeRoux.

INSIDE THE NUMBERS:

• 5: Reinhold once again had a big day for the Crusaders as she recorded her fourth double-double of the season with 17 points and 10 rebounds. 
• 31+: The Crusaders finished with 33 rebounds including 6 offensive and 27 defensive rebounds, leading the Crusaders was Reinhold and Boden with 10 rebounds apiece. While the Golden Eagles recorded 41 rebounds including 9 offensive and 32 defensives and were led by Rebekah Crosby with 9 rebounds.
• 39%:  The Blue and Gold shot the ball at a 39% clip while shooting 33.3% from three-point range. The Warriors shot 44% throughout the game and a 28.6% from deep.
• 2: LeRoux also had a big day as she tallied 15 points on 3-4 shooting from beyond the 3-point line.

UP NEXT:

• The Crusaders will play their final home game of the 2019 season as they will go up against the No. 9 team in the country in St. Francis University (Ill.) on Tuesday, December 17 with a 3 PM tipoff.
• Live coverage will be available via the Madonna Athletics Network at mucrusaders.com/live

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