SPRING ARBOR, Mich. – The Madonna Crusaders Women's Basketball team went up against the Cougars of Spring Arbor University in the final game of the 2019 calendar year. The game was close for the first half but a big 11-0 run in the third quarter was the final straw as the Crusaders dropped the game 66-55. 

The Crusaders record now sits at 2-12, while the Cougars record will now improve to 6-7.

HOW IT HAPPENED:

• The Cougars opened the game up quick on a 9-2 in the first 4:04 with the Crusaders first bucket coming from Paige Boden. MU was able to bring the game back within a score in part to some missed shots and some turnovers on the Cougars offensive end. The Cougars though would be able to bring the score back up to an eight point differential at the break. Leading the Crusaders in the quarter was Emily Pendred. 
• The Crusader defense was able to turn it up a notch in the second quarter as they were able to hold the Cougar offense to 10 points. After some quick Cougar points the Crusaders went on a 10-3 run in the final 5:34 to go down by six into the halftime break. Leading the Crusaders was Sydney Brown.
• The third quarter scoring swung the way of the Cougars after they were able to go on a 11-0 run to blow the game wide open over four minutes to be up by 13 going into the final period. Leading the Crusaders in the quarter was Boden.
• The offensive was able to turn it on in the quarter as the Crusaders were once again able to win the quarter as scoring went back and forth and the Blue and Gold were attempting to mount a comeback. Leading the Crusaders in the quarter was Victoria Guardiola.

INSIDE THE NUMBERS:

• 11: Pendred had a big day for the Crusaders as she tallied up a career-high 14 rebounds to go along with her seven points.
• 39+: The Crusaders finished with 39 rebounds including 19 offensive and 20 defensive rebounds, leading the Crusaders was Emily Pendred with 14 rebounds apiece. While the Cougars also recorded 39 rebounds including 10 offensive and 29 defensive and were led by Teona Feldpausch with 13 rebounds.
• 36:  The Blue and Gold were able to outscore the Cougars in the paint 36-30.
• 15: The Crusaders were hitting the offensive boards as they were able to tally up more second chance points than the Cougars, 15-7.

UP NEXT:

• The Crusaders will open up 2020 with a home game against No. 3 Marian University on Thursday, January 2 with the game beginning at 1 PM.
• Live coverage will be made available via the Madonna Athletics Network via mucrusaders.com/live

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