LIVONIA, Mich. -- The Madonna men's basketball program opened the Bernie Holowicki Classic where they took on the Royals of Hope International (Calif.). The Crusaders defeated the Royals 69-67 behind a spectacular performance from Brendan Young.

HOW IT HAPPENED

The Crusaders were efficient in the first half, shooting a solid 35% from the field and 38% from three. The first half was mostly back and forth as neither team could run away with a lead with Hope International leading by as much as five and Madonna leading by as much as six but this game would head into halftime with Madonna leading by two with a 35-33 lead. Young would lead the team at halftime with 15 points.

In the second half, the even matchup would continue as again neither team could get a lead above five. This game would come all the way down to the wire as the score would be tied at 67 after Hope International would make a layup with 26 seconds left to tie it up with the Crusaders. This gave the Crusaders the final possession and the last shot to either win the game or head into overtime. The Crusaders would look towards their leading scorer as Young would hit the game winner with zero seconds left on the clock to give the Crusaders a 69-67 victory.

LET'S GO HOME‼️

Young beats the buzzer to beat Hope International‼️#CrusaderNation pic.twitter.com/Au0y0cWi9C

— Madonna Men's Basketball (@MUCrusadersMBB) November 4, 2023

INSIDE THE NUMBERS

• Young finished his night with 29 points, 9 rebounds and 1 assists
• Matthew MacLellan wrapped with the game with 12 points and three rebounds
• Ryan Nunn finished with 8 points and 3 rebounds
• Devin Dunn would finish with 5 points, 5 assists, and 4 rebounds 

UP NEXT

The Crusaders are back in action for the conclusion of the Bernie Holowicki Classic tomorrow November 3rd. Tip-off is set for 4:00 PM against Roosevelt (Ill.).

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