The North Greenville Crusaders lost a close game to the Bulldogs of Barton College with a final score of 81-76, earlier this afternoon at Hayes Gymnasium. The game was a back-and-forth affair with 16 lead changes and seven ties. The Crusaders trailed by 16 points in the first quarter but outscored Barton in both the second and third quarters to erase the deficit. NGU led by as much as four in the fourth quarter, but the Bulldogs would pull away in the final minutes to hang on for a five point victory. NGU shot 43.1% from the field and 71.4% from the three-point line while the Bulldogs shot 35.9% from the field and 28.1% from the three-point line. Second chance points mostly went the way of the Bulldogs as they would score nine while the Crusaders managed just three.

NGU was led by Amareya Turner, who scored 18 points and grabbed eight rebounds off the bench. Geassy Germano added 16 points and five rebounds while Abi Oates hit five three-pointers for 15 points.

North Greenville will return to action on Tuesday, January 9th against the Crusaders of Belmont Abbey College in Belmont, North Carolina.