Front Royal, VA – Christendom Crusaders Men's Basketball team was victorious over The Crown College 81-74 in their home opener on Friday, November 18.

To open the game the Crusader's shots were not falling, as the team went scoreless through the first 5 minutes, struggling to get any offense going. Although they were struggling offensively, the team came together on defense to hold Crown at bay keeping the game close.  After their early offensive struggles, things started to click for the squad, and they were able to battle back getting within 4 points of The Crown College at 7-11. The two teams traded buckets, and with 4:40 remaining in the half, Andrew Heisler (Junior/Front Royal, VA) hit a 3 from the corner giving the Crusaders their first lead at 25 to 23. Although the rest half remained close, The Crown College took a slight 38-33 advantage into the half.

The Crusaders again came out slow to start the second half, allowing Crown to take an 8-point lead in the first 3 minutes. However, The Crusaders bounced back to tie it 48-48 with 13 minutes left. Freshmen Josh Pabst (Freshman/Mesa, AZ) and Bobby Vander Woude (Freshman/Nokesville, VA) hit back-to-back 3's to add to the Crusader's momentum. Once the Crusaders regained the lead at 51-50 they never looked back, defeating The Crown College 81-74.  With the win the Crusaders advance to 2-0 to start the season.

Heisler led the team in points with 28 total, followed by Joe Dotson (Senior/Manassas, VA) with 15 points.  John Kennedy (Sophomore/Mt. Vision, NY) lead the team with 13 rebounds, 6 of those being offensive boards, and 5 blocks. Finally, Pabst lead the team in assist as he notched 3 on the game.

Up Next: The Crusaders travel down I-81 to take on Mary Baldwin University on 11/30 at 7pm.