LIVONIA, Mich. - Following a two-game road trip, the Madonna Women's Basketball Team returned home to face Great Lakes Christian College, who also happened to be nicknamed 'the Crusaders.' Madonna would have their way for a majority of the game, easily securing the home victory 53-45.

HOW IT HAPPENED

Madonna dominated the opposing Great Lakes team in the first quarter. Ashley Hill would score the first points of the game with a smooth layup, and Marcela Rodriguez would knock down a three on their next possession to give them a quick 5-0 lead. Two more quick buckets from Hill helped them to jump ahead 11-4 before Great Lakes knew what hit them. As they continued to run their opponent off the court, Madonna would finish the first quarter with a comfortable 21-9 lead.

Great Lakes wouldn't allow themselves to be pushed around any longer in the second quarter. They began to match Madonna, and slow their offense down to catch all the way up by halftime. Madonna would go into the break up by one point 29-28, greatly assisted by Hill's 12 points in the first half. 

After having time to regroup during the half, Madonna came out with their energy back, as Hill led the way with four more points in the opening minute. A nice putback by Sophie Ruggles would extend the Madonna lead back to eight points just four minutes into the half. Just as Madonna seemed to get the momentum back, two fast-break layups by Great Lakes would cut the lead back down to just four points. Madonna didn't let Great Lakes' quick run get to them, as Keara Wilson effortlessly splashed a three-pointer to put them back up with a comfortable lead. A flawless cross-court pass from Wilson would set up a jump shot by Bre'Aira Burton to end the quarter, giving Madonna a 43-36 lead with one quarter to play.

Paige Humerickhouse would score the first points of the fourth, driving through Great Lakes' defense with ease. While the quarter would prove to be a stalemate for a majority of the first five minutes, following a timeout an impeccable assist by Delani Robinson would set up Burton for a go-ahead three-pointer. On the next possession, Hill would grab a steal and drive it down the court all the way to the rim. Some late-game fouls by Great Lakes would help Hill to finish with 20 points. The Crusaders would go on to easily secure the win 53-45.

INSIDE THE NUMBERS
 

• Hill led Madonna in scoring with 20 points and seven rebounds.
• Ruggles would lead Madonna in rebounds with eight.
• Jac'Ana Anderson would record seven rebounds of her own.
• Rodriguez recorded nine points and six rebounds.

UP NEXT

The Crusaders will resume conference play on Wednesday, February 15th, as they stay home to face the Cardinals of Concordia University Ann Arbor at 5:30 pm.

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