DEFIANCE, Ohio - Hoping to get back on track and secure their first conference win of the 2024-25 season, the Madonna Crusaders (5-3, 0-3) headed south of the state border to face the newest members of the Wolverine-Hoosier Athletic Conference; the Defiance College Yellow Jackets (0-7, 0-3). In a dominant showcase the Crusaders would demonstrate why they are a dangerous force in the WHAC as they posted a 59-47 victory on the road.

HOW IT HAPPENED:

The Crusaders came out on fire with 20 points to show in the first quarter alone. In the opening minutes, the Yellow Jackets would stay on their heels. However, with three minutes to go in the quarter the Crusaders would leap ahead. Two big three pointers from Delani Robinson, including one buzzer-beater off of an assist from Paige Humerickhouse, led to the Crusaders doubling-up the Yellow Jackets in the period as the first ten minutes ended with the Crusaders up 20-10.

In the second period, the Yellow Jackets began to close the gap. However, just as it seemed like they were getting some momentum the Crusaders shut them down and kept them at arm's length. The Crusaders still led 33-26 going into halftime.

Coming out of the half, the Crusaders' hot start returned as they pulled ahead by 13, up 47-34 with 10 minutes left to play.

The Crusaders would continue their dominance in the fourth quarter, ending the game in a 59-47 victory on the road, securing their first WHAC win of the season.

INSIDE THE NUMBERS:

• Robinson led the team with 18 points going 5-of-7 from beyond the arc.
• Dekota Smith scored 12 points with five steals and four rebounds.

UP NEXT:

The Crusaders will return to ACCU Arena on Saturday, where they will face the Rochester Christian University Warriors at 1:00 pm on December 7.