Crusaders Take Down Mechanics

Front Royal, VA - Christendom Crusaders Men's Basketball defeated conference opponent Williamson Mechanics in a thrilling game on Saturday, February 8, with a final score of 55-52.

The Crusaders took the ready to go against the #14 ranked team in the USCAA, the Williamson Mechanics. Christendom's determination paid off as they scored the first points of the game, taking an early 4-0 lead.  Daniel Shultz (Sophomore/Fredericksburg, TX) continued his performance streak from the previous games, giving the Crusaders their first two buckets. Although the Crusaders showed aggression on defense, the Mechanics managed to tie the game with around 16 minutes remaining. The advantage continued to shift between the two teams, keeping the score close for the entirety of the first half. With less than 2 minutes left and Christendom trailing by two points, Bobby Vander Woude (Junior/ Nokesville, VA) juked his way past Williamson's defense with a layup to tie the game. Despite an impressive effort from the Crusaders, they were unable to hold the tie and the first half concluded with Williamson lead 28-25.

With the victory in reach for both teams, the second half brought renewed intensity. The first bucket of this half went to Christendom with 3-pointer from John Fowler (Sophomore/ Tempe, AZ), making the game 28-28. The tie didn't last long, as Freshman Edmund Thomas (Freshman/ Corpus Christi, TX) put up a layup to secure a 30-28 lead. Both teams continued to exchange the lead, the second half proved to mirror the first. At the 5-minute marker, it was a 1-point game, and after nearly a minute of scoreless play, Charlie Evich (Sophomore/ Broadlands, VA) put the Crusaders ahead hitting his second three-pointer of the game. Williamson once again brought the game back to a draw, which lasted for over a minute of playing time. With less than two minutes remaining, B. Vander Woude stripped the ball from the Mechanics and brought it down the court handing it off to Michael Vander Woude (Freshman/ Nokesville, VA). From outside the three-point line, M. Vander Woude put up a shot that was good to give the Crusaders the final say in the game. After a tough-fought game, Christendom took down opponent Williamson 55-52.

With this victory, the Crusaders took home another impressive USCAA win, making this their second win over a USCAA-ranked team this season.

Next Up: The Crusaders will travel to Frederick Community College to take on the Cougars in an evening match Monday, February 10, at 7pm.