LIVONIA, Mich - After a slow start to the season, the Crusaders emerged victorious at home against the Eagles of Judson University. It was a tight game from start to finish, but the Crusaders didn't let up for even a second. Madonna finished on top 51-43.

HOW IT HAPPENED

The Crusaders came out with one of their best starts of the season, taking a quick 6-0 lead less than two minutes into the game. The Eagles began to find their footing at the end of the first quarter, but four quick points by Ashley Hill helped the Crusaders secure the lead as the clock ticked down. Madonna ended the first quarter up 10-5.

A layup by Sophie Ruggles at the start of the second quarter gave the Crusaders their largest lead of the game so far, putting them up by seven. Judson began to find some momentum at the end of the first half, going on an 11-4 run to tie the game 17-17 at halftime.

The Eagles carried their momentum into the start of the third quarter, quickly taking their first and only lead of the game over the Crusaders as they went up 23-19. After this, Crusader point guard Paige Humerickhouse took over with a quick three-pointer and layup to tie the game 24-24. On the next possession, Humerickhouse put the Crusaders back up by two with a jump shot. Judson kept it close, but the Crusaders entered the fourth quarter on top 32-30.

The Crusaders began to pull away in the fourth quarter after a three-pointer by Delani Robinson put them up by five with 7:20 left to play. Judson tried to rally a comeback, cutting the lead down to two with a three-pointer of their own. With less than two minutes to go, Judson trailed by just one point, 42-41. When it came to crunch time, Sarah Tanderys was clutch with seven free throws to seal the win for Madonna. Crusaders got their first win of the season, shutting down Judson 51-43.

INSIDE THE NUMBERS
 

• Hill led the team in scoring with 14 points. In addition, she recorded two steals and seven rebounds.
• Humerickhouse also recorded double-digit points with 11 along with seven rebounds.
• Ruggles recorded a game and career-high 13 rebounds.
• Jac'Ana Anderson was all over the court with seven points, 10 rebounds, and three assists.

UP NEXT

The Crusaders will head to Rochester, MI for an exhibition game against the Oakland University Golden Grizzlies on Monday, December 19th at 7:00 pm.

CONNECT WITH THE CRUSADERS: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube
SUBSCRIBE/DOWNLOAD TEAM SCHEDULES: Download Center
DOWNLOAD THE NEW MOBILE APP: Google Play | iOS