Crusaders Defeat Shock in 52-47 Victory
Takoma Park, MD – In a thrilling Christendom women’s basketball contest on Monday, February 3rd, the Crusaders edged out the Washington Adventist University Shock, 52-47, in a tense finish that saw senior Catherine Thomas (Senior/Corpus Christi, TX) seal the win with two clutch free throws in the final seconds.
February 3, 2025
Takoma Park, MD – In a thrilling Christendom women's basketball contest on Monday, February 3rd, the Crusaders edged out the Washington Adventist University Shock, 52-47, in a tense finish that saw senior Catherine Thomas (Senior/Corpus Christi, TX) seal the win with two clutch free throws in the final seconds.
From start to finish, the game was a hard-fought, back-and-forth battle. Both teams showed grit and determination, with neither side able to build a comfortable lead. Christendom's defense was sharp, and Washington Adventist University's aggressive play kept the game close throughout. The teams exchanged baskets in a defensive struggle, with both squads relying on timely scoring and key defensive stops to stay in the game.
The Crusaders, led by their steady senior, Thomas, found themselves in a tight contest as the clock wound down. Despite some early turnovers and missed opportunities, Christendom remained within striking distance, while the Shock continued to push hard to break free.
With just seconds remaining and the Crusader only ahead by three points, the pressure was on. It was in those final moments that Thomas—already a standout throughout the game—showed why she's been one of the Crusaders' most reliable players. After being fouled with only three seconds left, Thomas stepped to the free-throw line with the game on the line. Calmly and confidently, she sank both free throws, putting the Crusaders up by five points, 52-47. The Shock had little time to respond, and despite a last-ditch attempt to score, Washington Adventist couldn't convert as the clock expired.
While Thomas' heroics in the final moments and her 30 points throughout the game made all the difference, the Crusaders' victory was a team effort. Christendom received solid contributions from several players, particularly on the defensive end. The Crusaders made it difficult for the Shock to find easy looks, and they were relentless on the boards, limiting Washington Adventist's second-chance opportunities.
Offensively, Christendom struggled to shoot from beyond the arc but remained composed in critical moments. The Crusaders found scoring contributions across the roster, with key players stepping up when needed. It was a true team win, with everyone playing a part in the nail-biting finish.
For Washington Adventist, the game was a tough one to swallow, especially after putting up a strong fight throughout. The Shock had a chance to win in the final moments but were unable to capitalize on their opportunities. Despite their efforts, the Shock's late-game scrambling fell short, and they couldn't quite manage to tie the game after Thomas' free throws sealed the deal.
The Crusaders' hard-earned victory moves them forward in their season with momentum and confidence. With Thomas continuing to deliver in clutch situations and the team playing solid defense, Christendom will be looking to build on this win as they head into their next matchups.
Christendom College will now prepare for their upcoming games, eager to maintain their strong performance and carry the confidence from this thrilling win into the next phase of the season.
Up Next: The Crusaders will travel to Enola, PA to compete the Central Penn Community College Knights on Thursday, February 6th at 8pm.