ROCHESTER HILLS, Mich. - Following their big win against Judson, the Madonna Crusaders hit the road for an exhibition game against the Oakland University Golden Grizzlies at Oakland's O'rena. The Crusaders hung tough and put up a good physical fight, but in the end Oakland was able to pull away at the end. 

HOW IT HAPPENED

The Golden Grizzlies weren't ready for the Crusaders that came to play, Madonna came out of the gate as aggressive as they've been all season. The Golden Grizzlies tried to use their size to bully the Crusaders out of the paint, but Madonna wasn't having any of it. Paige Humerickhouse drove straight down the court all the way to the rim to tie the game up early 4-4. Even as Oakland began to pull away by six, Madonna didn't let the bright lights get to them. A layup by Ashley Hill with 2:30 remaining in the first quarter made it a two-point game for the Crusaders. As the first quarter buzzer went off, the Crusaders held the Golden Grizzlies to just a four-point lead, trailing 18-14. However the second quarter was all Golden Grizzlies, as they came out firing off shots out of the break. Crusaders found themselves down 35-21 as the first half came to a close.

The third quarter was much of the same as the Golden Grizzlies continued their hot streak coming out of the half. Hill gave the Crusaders some momentum with six consecutive points in the final minutes of the quarter to give the Crusaders some late momentum. In the fourth quarter, Hill put up six more points, finishing with a career high 18 points. Despite Hill's spectacular performance, the Golden Grizzlies were able to put the Crusaders away and seal the win.

INSIDE THE NUMBERS
 

• Hill led the Crusaders in scoring with an astonishing performance of 18 points and three rebounds.
• Delani Robinson also played great on the big stage, with 12 points including two three-pointers, five rebounds, and two assists.
• JaC'ana Anderson added a double-digit game to her season, recording 10 points, five rebounds and three steals.
• Sophie Ruggles recorded two blocks and four rebounds to lead the Crusaders' defensive effort.

UP NEXT

The Crusaders will hit the road for another NCAA matchup, as they take on the NCAA Division Two Charges of Hillsdale College on Friday, December 30 at Tibbetts Potter Arena. Tip-off is set for 5:00 p.m.

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