MEN'S BASKETBALL HANDED FIRST LOSS AT MADONNA

LIVONIA, Mich. - The Warriors (7-1, 2-1) suffered their first defeat at the hands of #RV Madonna (6-2, 3-0) in Alliance Catholic Credit Union Arena 86-82. In a game filled with elite shot-making from both teams, the Crusaders could find the edge when needed.

Despite the loss, several Warriors posted strong offensive outings. Brandon Michrina and Gunner Walters combined for 43 points, while James Fisher produced 12 points and nine rebounds off the bench.

THE RUNDOWN

FIRST HALF

• Three-pointers were raining down for Rochester to start the game, with the Warriors' first 21 points coming from beyond the stripe. Michrina and Brody Parker were the main culprits, scoring the first 12 for the Warriors before Gunner Walters crashed the party with three consecutive makes
• After jumping out to a six-point lead, the Warriors would suddenly find themselves down thanks to big plays by the Crusaders' Matthew MacClellan. Michrina and Stavros Polatoglou helped Rochester regain the lead momentarily
• The final five minutes of the first half would set the tone, with Madonna maintaining a very small lead, but both teams consistently trading baskets. After the Warriors found themselves down five, Walters would score a layup before finding James Fisher for a dunk to bring Rochester within one to end the half

SECOND HALF

• The second half was also back-and-forth, with each team trading the lead. Michrina would find Anthony Cukaj for a layup early before the Crusaders got the lead right back, thanks to a layup from guard Devin Dunn. Michrina would draw a foul on a three and sink all his free throws to recapture the advantage
• The Crusaders went up nine after a few empty possessions for the Warriors, but Rochester fought back to a four-point deficit after another three from Michrina. MacClellan hit another three to extend the Crusaders' lead back to seven, but pivotal possessions from Walters and Bralin Toney helped the Warriors find themselves only down two
• Madonna again extended the lead, but Toney hit a massive three to tie the game at 71 with just over five minutes to go. After another three from Madonna, Fisher, and Parker got in the paint to get the Warriors a one-point lead
• Madonna took the lead right back and led the rest of the way despite the Warriors' best efforts. An and-one basket by the Crusaders' Isaac Anderson was back-breaking for the Warriors, but Walters hit a pull-up three to keep the game close with nine seconds left. Unfortunately for Rochester, the Crusaders were able to knock down their free throws and seal the game

STAT OF THE GAME

In a crazy shooting contest, Rochester shot over 50% from three in both halves. The 8-11 start from three was the team's best this season.

POST-GAME PRESSER

Head Coach Klint Pleasant had this to say on the loss:

"We worked to limit their outside attempts because that's what they've been so good at early on. We gave up some baskets in the post and turned it over four more times than we normally do. In a one-possession game, those fine lines make the difference. We had great looks down the stretch and missed bunnies and open threes."

UP NEXT

The Warriors will look to avenge the loss against the Lawrence Tech Blue Devils (5-4, 2-2) on Saturday in Garth Pleasant Arena.

Hussein Murray - RU Athletic Communications

Featured Image Courtesy of Madonna Athletics