LIVONIA, Mich.  -- Madonna University's Men's Basketball team was back home at the Alliance Catholic Credit Union Arena to take on the University of Northwest Ohio (UNOH) where Madonna came away with the 79-67 victory.

HOW IT HAPPENED

The Crusaders came out scorching hot as they made their first four shots to take an early 8-0 lead. At the 14:37 mark in the half, Levente Molnar checked into the game and went on to score seven straight points to increase the Madonna lead to 19-8. In the half the Crusaders' defense was lockdown, holding UNOH to 28.2% shooting for the half. Madonna also combined by seven first-half blocks, three coming from sophomore Matthew MacLellen. 

In the second half, UNOH scored the first two baskets closing the Crusaders' lead to 39-33. It was a back and forth game for a little while until the 15:34 mark where Madonna would go on a big run. It started off with Ethan Emerzian, and Brendan Young both knocking down back-to-back threes. Then, Mark Mettie threw down a big two-handed slaw off a perfect lob pass from Ryan Nunn. The Crusaders would go on a 20-7 run to increase their lead to 63-43 with ine minutes left in the game. 

From there, UNOH started launching threes trying to cut the Madonna lead but the Crusaders held the Racers to 2-14 from three in the second half. MacLellan put the final nail in the coffin with one last dunk as the Crusaders would win this one 79-67.

INSIDE THE NUMBERS

• Jordan Graham led the Crusaders in scoring with 19 points on 9-12 shooting
• Young had another great game with 17 points, six rebounds, and a block
• Mettie finished with a double-double, 13 points, 10 rebounds, five assists, and three blocks
• MacLellan finished with four points, four rebounds, and three blocks in only 13 minutes of action

UP NEXT

The Crusaders get a much-needed break as their next game is next Wednesday, January 19 when they travel to Adrian, Mich. to take on Siena Heights University at the Siena Heights Fieldhouse. Tip-off is set for 7:30 p.m. 

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