GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — The Madonna University Women's Basketball team (12-10, 5-9 WHAC) were on the road this afternoon, taking on the Cornerstone University Golden Eagles (10-12, 9-5 WHAC). The Golden Eagles would come out on top, winning 67-62.
HOW IT HAPPENED:
The Crusaders would be looking to bounce back after a loss at home against Lourdes University Wednesday night, having captured only one win in their last eight games. The Golden Eagles came into the game after a double overtime win against Rochester Christian University, earning them back-to-back wins for the first time since December. Sitting close to each other in the WHAC table, both teams were subject to mounting pressure with tournament play set to begin at the end of the month.
It was a physical, high-energy start with lots of battles for possession in the paint. The Golden Eagles would open the scoring, the Crusaders remaining scoreless for over three minutes until
Terre'ya Moore would get them going with a layup. The game started off a little one-sided, the home team taking advantage of the home-crowd and emotions of senior night, but the Crusaders did well to capitalize in transition, taking advantage from the line to even the score. Freshman
Elena DiMaria would give the Crusaders their first lead and first three pointer in the contest. The first quarter would end 18-13 in favor of the Golden Eagles.
Both teams would continue to trade points in the second, remaining physical. The Golden Eagles would pull away towards the end of the quarter, their field goal percentage 53.8 percent for the half. The Crusaders would trail 35-24 with a FG% of 29.6. The Crusaders would push in the third, continuing to capitalize from the line and starting to connect better offensively. Jaxi Long would continue to respond for the home side, but Moore would begin to heat up, becoming the points leader for the Crusaders and helping bring the score to 52-47.
The Golden Eagles would get their momentum back for a short stint, bringing their lead back to a margin of 10 from the line. The Crusaders would keep their foot on the gas, the Golden Eagles losing some steam late in the fourth, but ultimately it wouldn't be enough. The Golden Eagles would take the win with a final score of 67-62.
INSIDE THE NUMBERS:
- Moore would end the game with 16 points and nine rebounds, leading her team in both categories
- Chenelle King would lead the team in assists with a total of five, finishing the game with 13 points and five rebounds
UP NEXT:
Catch Crusader Women'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 5:30 pm.