LIVONIA, Mich. – The Crusaders Men's Basketball program kicked off their 2022-23 season campaign Friday night as they came away with the 102-83 victory over the Penn State Greater Allegheny Nittany Lions.

HOW IT HAPPENED

The Crusaders came out the gate hot to start the game, going on a 15-2 run before the Nittany Lions called a timeout. Coming out of the break, Penn State would close the gap, but senior Henry Speight would make back-to-back trips to the free throw line to extend their lead to 18-9. Deric Murray would set the tone for the rest of the half as he finished with 15 points and five steals in the first half to give Madonna a 49-35 lead at the half.
In the second half, it was more of the same with up and down action. Penn State would show some life shooting 37.5% from three in the half but the Crusaders' balanced attack was more than the Nittany Lions could handle. Madonna would win their season opener 102-83 and move to 1-0 on the year. 

INSIDE THE NUMBERS

• Murray would lead the Crusaders with 29 points, six steals, four rebounds, and three blocks
• Mark Mettie would finish with 18 points, eight rebounds, and three blocks
• Brendan Young had a near double-double with 10 points and nine rebounds
• Speight in his first game back since the 2020-21 season finished with nine points and three rebounds

UP NEXT

The Crusaders will be back in action for day two of the Bernie Holowicki Classic tomorrow Saturday, November 5 as they take on Ave Maria University (Fla.) at 3:00 p.m. at the Alliance Catholic Credit Union Arena. 

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