ELGIN, Ill. -- The Madonna University women's basketball team opened their 2023-24 season with a 49-47 victory over Judson University (Ill.) behind play from Wayne County Community College Transfer, Keairra Jennings. 

HOW IT HAPPENED

The Crusaders opened the game with a 5-0 run by Jennings alone. The Eagles began to find their footing midway through the first quarter, with a 7-0 run to take a 7-5 lead with 5:03 left in the first. The Crusaders were able to regroup and finish the quarter outsourcing the Eagles 10-2 to take a 15-9 lead after one. 

Judson was able to score two quick baskets to cut the Crusaders' lead down to two. The Crusaders' defense was in full force in the first half, causing five Eagle turnovers and holding Judson to 25% shooting to take the 27-24 lead at the half. 

The NCAA Division II transfer, Kayiona Willis got the scoring going for the Crusaders in the third with a layup.  However, the Eagles would not go away to tie things up at 29.  The Eagles were able to carry this momentum all the way into the fourth as they now led 44-41 with 6:31 left in the game.

Madonna would knock down back-to-back threes from Dekota Smith and Jennings to take a 47-44 lead and the Crusaders would hold on to win their season opener 49-47

INSIDE THE NUMBERS

• Jennings led the Crusaders in scoring with 12 and also had five rebounds
• Smith finished her first collegiate game with 11 points and four rebounds
• Schoolcraft transfer LaZae Mosley led the Crusaders in rebounds with eight
• The last time the Crusaders won their season opener was in the 2017-18 season

UP NEXT

The Crusaders will continue their road trip as they visit Upland, Ind. to take on the Trojans of Taylor University (Ind.) on Wednesday, November 1 at 6:00 PM. 

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