Men’s Basketball Suffers Narrow Loss against UNH

Last Friday, the Crusaders traveled to the University of New Hampshire to take on the Wildcats in the eighth game of their season.   The Crusaders started out strong, with sophomore forward Karl Charles scoring seven unanswered points to start the game.  The Crusaders held a convincing lead for most of the half, extending their lead to 21-10 with a little over seven minutes remaining in the first half.  Not long after, the Wildcats went on a 10-3 run to narrow the gap.  Heading into halftime, the Crusaders led 31-24.

Similarly to the start of the game, Holy Cross scored five unanswered points at the outset of the second half, widening the lead to 36-24.  With 11 minutes remaining in the game, the Crusaders were ahead by seven points.  However, UNH went on a game altering 16-2 run, putting them in the lead for the first time in the game.  Karl Charles responded with seven of his own points to bring the game to a 51-51 tie.  With little time remaining, UNH hit a crucial three pointer to break the tie.  Charles responded with  a layup, but the Wildcats converted on both free throws at the other end to put the game out of reach.  Karl Charles was awarded the Marines Man of the Match award after putting up 16 points, three rebounds and three assists.  Holy Cross will look to defeat Quinnipiac this Sunday at the Hart Center at 1:05 p.m., in what will also be the Banner Raising Ceremony for their 2016 Patriot League Championship.

Women’s Basketball Comes up Short against UVM

Last Wednesday, the Crusaders were unable to pick up a road win against the University of Vermont.  The score remained close throughout the first quarter.  Heading into the second quarter, New Hampshire lead by five points.  The Crusaders heated up in the second quarter, going on a run to take their first lead of the game.  They held onto their very slight lead for the remainder of the quarter and head to the locker room up 24-23.

UVM responded early in the second half to regain the lead.  UVM had momentum heading into the third quarter, scoring 20 points throughout.  Heading into the fourth quarter, Holy Cross trailed 43-32.  The gap was widened heading throughout the fourth, getting as large as 16 points before Holy Cross went on a nine point run.  With a little less than three minutes to play, the game looked as if it could swing in favor of the Crusaders but UVM answered with a 9-5 run to finish the game.  The final score was 63-52.  Last Wednesday, the women’s basketball team were outplayed by Penn State, losing 84-48.  Holy Cross Women’s Basketball faces off next against UMass Lowell this Saturday at 1:05 p.m. at the Hart Center.