GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – The Madonna University Men's Basketball team (13-9, 9-5 WHAC) traveled North today, taking on the Cornerstone University Golden Eagles (15-7, 11-3) in what would be a close battle between two conference heavy-weights. The Crusaders would get the win with a final score of 86-81, extending their win streak to six.

HOW IT HAPPENED:

The Golden Eagles came into the game on a six game win streak, sitting second overall in the WHAC standings. The visiting Crusaders would be looking to extend a win streak of their own, sitting fourth on the table.

Both teams would come out of the gate strong, doing well to put up points from the line. Matthew McLellan would help the Crusaders widen the lead, doing well to drive the basket for two and draw the foul for extra points from the line. Isaac Anderson would give the Crusaders their largest lead of the game so far, draining a three to bring the score to 28-19. They would continue to push offensively, led by seniors Ethan Emerzian, Brendan Young, and McLellan who ended the half with 18 points and seven for eight from the field. The Golden Eagles would push back as time dwindled down, but the Crusaders would hold on easily, comforted by the point gap they had granted themselves to end the half leading 45-32.

Down by 13 heading into the second, the Golden Eagles would bring the gap down to a single digit from the line. The Crusaders would open the door for the home side committing a stretch of fouls by which the Golden Eagles would capitalize with an 8-2 run. Ahmoni Weston would give the Crusaders their second double-digit lead of the game with a layup and Young would get the bench going by sinking one from long range, then quickly following it up with another to bring his points total to 13. Sophomore Josh Waun would also tap into the scoring, bringing his points total to 13 in the game. Weston would exit the game due to injury with five left in the second, the Golden Eagles closing in on the Crusaders lead. Emerzian would respond, coming up big with 13 straight points for the Crusaders, sealing the deal for the visiting team in the dying minutes with two from the line. The Crusaders would take the win 86-81, securing a crucial conference win in a game that acted as a preview for conference play.

INSIDE THE NUMBERS:

• McLellan would end the night with 20 points, seven rebounds, and four assists
• Emerzian would be tied for points leader in the game, accompanying McLellan with 20 and capturing 3 assists.
• Waun would capture 13 points, a career high, with four rebounds and three assists
• Young had 13 points, four rebounds, and led the team in blocks with two to show for the night

UP NEXT:

Catch Crusader Men's Basketball back in action Wednesday, February 5th at The Garage as they take on the University of Northwestern Ohio Racers. Tip off is set for 7:30 pm.