LIVONIA, Mich. -- The Madonna women's basketball program had their home opener where they took on the Bulldogs of Wilberforce (Ohio). The Crusaders defeated the Bulldogs 53-47 behind a strong defensive performance from the Crusaders.

HOW IT HAPPENED

The Crusaders struggled to find a rhythm in the first half but were able to produce a lot of points off turnovers. The Crusaders would take off in the first quarter shooting an efficient 53% from the field while holding Wilberforce to just 30% shooting. The Crusaders would lead at the end of the first quarter 20-11. The second quarter the Crusaders got into a slump shooting just 25% from the field and 1-9 from three. But the Crusader defense held strong holding Wilberforce to 25% from the field as well. The Crusaders would go into halftime leading 31-22. 

In the third quarter, the Crusaders again struggled to see the ball go in the net, shooting 20% from the field. Although the Crusaders were able to force 6 turnovers, they only came away with 7 points in the third quarter to make it a 38-35 game in favor of the Crusaders. Heading into the fourth quarter the Crusaders were not gonna let this one get away. The Crusaders defense would hold Wilberforce to 30 percent shooting from the field (3-10) while Wilberforce also did not do themselves any favors in the fourth going 2-10 from the free throw line. Meanwhile, the Crusaders would go 5-17 from the field and close out the game by going 5-6 from the free throw line in the 4th. Despite the Crusaders having 19 turnovers in this contest, they were able to come away with a victory over the Bulldogs 53-44.

INSIDE THE NUMBERS

• Aaliyah McQueen led the Crusaders in scoring with 12 points. She also tallied 8 rebounds, 4 assists, and 4 steals
• Kayiona Willis would finish with 11 points, 4 rebounds, 2 assists, and 2 steals
• Keairra Jennings would finish with 8 points, 8 rebounds, and 2 assists

UP NEXT

The Crusaders are back in action on Saturday, November 18th as they head to Indiana Tech to open up WHAC play. Tip-off is set for 1:00 PM. 


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