FORT WAYNE, IN -- Madonna University built a double-digit lead behind a blistering shooting display but could not withstand a second-half surge, falling 102-93 to Indiana Tech on Saturday afternoon at the Schaefer Center. The Crusaders led 46-38 at the half and were still in front early in the second half before the Warriors used a decisive run and a plus-eight turnover margin to take control down the stretch.
Joey Liedel turned in a standout offensive performance for Madonna, pouring in a game-high 35 points while knocking down 8 of 10 attempts from beyond the arc. Liedel capped a strong opening 20 minutes by heaving in a 3-pointer at the buzzer to send the Crusaders into the locker room with an eight-point cushion. Madonna shot 50.8 percent from the field (32-for-63) and 46.7 percent from 3-point range (14-for-30), consistently generating quality looks against the Indiana Tech defense.
The Crusaders carried that momentum into the second half when DeAntwan Randall finished a layup at the 18:56 mark to push the lead to 48-40. Indiana Tech responded with increased pressure and efficient scoring, quickly erasing the deficit. A layup by Blake Davison with 16:38 remaining tied the game at 52-52, marking the turning point as the Warriors began to dictate the pace on both ends.
Indiana Tech's ability to convert Madonna turnovers into points proved critical. The Crusaders committed 13 turnovers compared to only five for the Warriors, a gap that helped offset Madonna's shooting edge from long range. Indiana Tech also controlled the glass with a 38-32 rebounding advantage, including 12 offensive boards that extended possessions and contributed to a 64-point second half.
Despite the swing in momentum, Madonna stayed within striking distance into the closing minutes. However, a 3-pointer by Indiana Tech's Dallas Roberts with 5:56 left pushed the Warriors' lead to 81-75, giving the hosts needed separation. Liedel kept the Crusaders battling late, drilling a 3-pointer in the final minute to trim the margin to 100-90, but Roberts answered at the free-throw line, sinking two shots with 20 seconds remaining to effectively seal the outcome.
Randall provided a strong interior presence for Madonna, finishing with 24 points, seven rebounds and three blocks as the Crusaders balanced perimeter shooting with production in the paint. Defensively, Madonna recorded four blocks and three steals but could not consistently slow an Indiana Tech attack that shot 52.2 percent from the floor and put three players over the 20-point mark.
In front of an announced crowd of 250, the Crusaders showcased a potent offense and a career-type effort from Liedel but ultimately were undone by turnovers, second-chance opportunities and the Warriors' second-half execution. Madonna will look to build on its efficient shooting performance while tightening ball security and rebounding as the schedule continues into the stretch run of February.