Gaffney, S.C. – A conference tilt with Limestone College turned in to a big win for NGU on Saturday after the Crusaders downed the Saints 67-64.

North Greenville got off to a slow start on Saturday, trailing 12-1 in the first quarter. The Crusaders battled back to cut it to 16-9 before the second frame. The momentum carried over in the second quarter and North Grenville nabbed its first lead of the day when a pair of Savannah Hughes free throws made it 18-16.  

The lead for NGU swelled to three points but Limestone edged the Crusaders in the final minutes of the first half. The Saints carried a 28-25 lead into intermission. The third quarter was closely contested with a scoring differential of just three points. North Greenville evened the tally at 30-30 with a Donehew three-pointer and earned a 33-32 lead when Journey Muhammed knocked down a triple a few minutes later but the Saints carried a slim 50-44 lead into the final quarter.

North Greenville answered with its biggest run of the day to open up the fourth frame. The Crusaders closed the gap to just two points when Muhammed pinned another triple that made it 56-58. North Greenville finally pulled even on its next possession on a Donehew jumper that made it 58-58 with 3:39 left in the game.

North Greenville pulled ahead for good after one lead change and a tie when Peace Okeke was true on a lay-up that gave the Crusaders a 62-60 lead. Okeke made it a three-point lead with a following free throw. Karen Donehew would seal the road victory for the Crusaders on a lay-up and a pair of free throws down the stretch.

Karen Donehew led North Greenville on the charge with 18-points and nine rebounds while Muhammed scored 16-points for North Greenville. Peace Okeke and Damiya Montgomery both had nine points to help the cause.

The Crusaders improved to 5-4 in road games after Saturday’s win. The team will return home on Tuesday night to host Erskine College at 5:30 pm in Hayes Gymnasium.