LIVONIA, Mich. – The Madonna Crusaders Women's Basketball team returned home for the first game of a three-game homestand to face off against the Racers of the University of Northwestern Ohio. In a game that went back and forth and saw both teams have the lead in the first half, the Racers eventually were able to hold off the Crusader's late comeback for the 79-71 win.

The Crusaders record now sits at 2-9 overall with a 0-6 conference record, while the Racers record will now improve to 4-8 and will stay undefeated in conference play at 2-3.

HOW IT HAPPENED:

• The Crusaders came out with hot hands as they were able to get a quick 10-2 run in the first 3:42 with layups from Sydney Brown, Victoria Guardiola and two 3-point baskets from Naomi Davis. The Racers though did not give up as they were able to pull back into the lead to end the quarter leading by two points. Leading the Crusaders in the quarter was Davis.
• The second quarter started off quick as the Crusaders tied the game up and pulled ahead on two baskets from Paige Boden as she scored the Crusader's first six points of the quarter. The Blue and Gold lead once again 29-28, but the difference in the quarter was a 13-3 run in the last 3:33 to give the Racers the 41-32 advantage at the break. Leading the Crusaders was Guardiola and Boden.
• The Crusaders down nine at the half would not give up as they battled their way back into the game and were down by four after a 16-9 spanning four minutes thanks to Reinhold, Boden, and Davis. Leading the Crusaders in the quarter was Reinhold.
• The fourth quarter was a lot of scoring on both ends as neither team could make a big run. The Racers were up by 14 at one point in the quarter but last-minute baskets from Reinhold and Guardiola were able to bring the score back to within single digits for a final of 79-71. Leading the Crusaders in the quarter was Guardiola and Reinhold.

INSIDE THE NUMBERS:

• 23: Boden had a big day for the Crusaders defensively as she tallied her eight blocks in the game. Which puts her atop the leaderboards for most blocks in a single game. 
• 31+: The Crusaders finished with 31 rebounds including 9 offensive and 22 defensive rebounds, leading the Crusaders was Reinhold with 8 rebounds. While the Racers recorded 42 rebounds including 16 offensive and 26 defensives and were led by Kimyra McGhee with 11 rebounds.
• 44.3%:  The Blue and Gold shot the ball at a 44.3% clip while shooting 35% from the three-point range. The Warriors shot 42.6% throughout the game and a 32% from deep.
• 32: Guardiola also had a career day as she had a career-high with 20 points and six rebounds

UP NEXT:

• The Crusaders will play the second game of the homestand next Saturday, December 14 when the Eagles of Cornerstone University visits beginning with a 1 PM tip.
• Live coverage will be available via the Madonna Athletics Network at mucrusaders.com/live

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