The Christendom Crusaders traveled to Charlotte, North Carolina, to take on NCAA DII Belmont Abbey College for the first time in college hoops history. While the Crusaders ultimately fell to Abbey 105-41, the game marked an important moment of union between the two Catholic schools, and hopefully the first of many meetings in the future.
The Crusaders, coming off their winter opening loss to Cincinnati-Clermont, hoped to turn things around against 14-3 Belmont Abbey. Right out of the gate, Abbey took control of the game, finishing the first half with a 59-23 lead. Despite a strong showing from 6'9" freshman Owen Kennedy, who led the Crusaders in points and rebounds with 15 and 6 respectively, Christendom ultimately could not make up for the early hole it fell into.
By the end of the game, Christendom fell 105-41, but still united with Belmont Abbey in prayer after the game. A spirit of competition and fellowship is important between Catholic colleges — one that has existed between Christendom's rugby team, Franciscan University and Ave Maria University for years now. Starting this in basketball as well can only lead to better games and better fellowship between the schools in the future.