Box Score The Crusaders returned to Gaffney this evening, the site of last year’s stunning victory over the top ranked Saints in the Conference Carolinas Tournament. In what turned out to be a classic, the Crusaders were edged out by a single point in the last three seconds of regulation. Coach Angel McGowan has her troops playing their best basketball down the home stretch of the season.
For the first time in a while the Crusaders showed their offensive fire power in a big way against the Saints this evening. Both teams were hot from the floor. However, it was the Crusaders who had the advantage from beyond the three-point line and from the field in general. The Crusaders leading scorer, Karen Donehew (Junior), had a dominant performance as she scored over one-third of the Crusaders points in the contest.
1st Quarter
The Saints jumped out to a quick five-point lead to start the game out, but the Crusaders came charging back behind the work of Donehew, Ty Saunders (Sophomore), and Journey Muhammed (Freshman). Muhammed has been a sensational player for the Crusaders this year thanks to her long-range shooting and ability to knock down shots late in the game. Muhammed chipped in 12 points in the first quarter with Donehew, Ayano Shelton (Junior), and Kira Bell (Sophomore) all chipping in. It was not until the 1:45 mark that the Crusaders had their first lead of the contest (20 – 18), but the team never looked back. Muhammed scored six of her points in the last minute of play followed by a Shelton layup. The Crusaders finished the quarter leading by 10.
2nd Quarter
The Crusaders came out in the second quarter and went on a mini run scoring six of the first eight points in the quarter. Limestone then took advantage of Crusader turnovers and went on an 11-point run that brought the Crusaders lead down to two points. Bell, Donehew, and Shelton them came storming back for the Crusaders depositing three layups back-to-back-to-back. After trading baskets, the Crusaders scored off an offensive rebound by Shelton at the end of the half to take a six-point lead into the half.
3rd Quarter
Coming out in the second half it was more of the same; both teams were hot from the field with the Crusaders shooting 47% and Limestone shooting 44% respectively. The Crusaders continued to lead throughout the quarter matching each run by the Saints with a run of their own. Bell, Donehew, and Haylee Luttrell (Freshman) chipped in continuing the scoring for the Crusaders. The Crusaders shared the ball well assisting on multiple baskets in the quarter. Elizabeth Trentham (Senior) gave the Crusaders a two-point advantage heading into the last three minutes. The Saints scored five points in the last forty seconds of the quarter to bring the lead to within four.
4th Quarter
In a quarter that featured three ties and two lead changes the fourth quarter was a classic like no other. The Saints and the Crusaders battled back-and-forth throughout the quarter with the Crusaders leading all the way down to the wire. Heading into the last two minutes of regulation the Crusaders lead 77 – 71. The Saints then started to mount a comeback that was dwindled by a couple of free throws from Donehew. With 14 seconds left the Saints forced a turnover; after a timeout the Saints took advantage of a late foul by the Crusaders and wound up winning the game off a free throw with three seconds left. Final score 79 – 80.
Individual
Karen Donehew finished the game with 27 points off 59% shooting from the field, while collecting 9 rebounds.
Journey Muhammed scored 15 points, collected 7 boards, and finished the game with 3 steals.
Ayano Shelton scored 10 points off 57% shooting and finished the game with 6 rebounds; including a stellar offensive rebound late in the first half.
Kira Bell finished the game with 13 points and 2 steals; Bell drove the ball exceptionally well finishing at the rim.
Upcoming
The Crusaders have one more game on the road this week as they travel to Bristol, Tennessee to take on King University on Thursday, January 31st at 5:30. Then the Crusaders come home for their second meeting of the season with Erskine College next week on Wednesday, February 6th. Tip-off is set for 5:30 in Tigerville.
