Crusaders Take Down Johnson & Wales for First Time in Program History

Front Royal, VA - Christendom Crusaders Men's Basketball triumphed over the Johnson & Wales Charlotte Wildcats this past Saturday, February 22, with a final score of 72-61- marking their first win over the Wildcats in program history.

The first points of the game came from free throws by Charlie Evich (Sophomore/ Broadlands, VA) after a foul by the Wildcats. This was the first of many fouls against Johnson & Wales, which ultimately became costly for them in the game. This match proved to be like the Crusaders' recent games, characterized by a continuous fight for the lead. Although the Wildcats took an upper-hand for a time, a pass from Edmond Thomas (Freshman/ Corpus Christi, TX) enabled Daniel Shultz (Sophomore/ Fredericksburg, TX) to lay the ball in the basket to regain the top spot. As the minutes went by, the Wildcats fought to again regain their edge over the Crusaders, but, with less than ten minutes remaining, Bobby Vander Woude (Junior/ Nokesville, VA) drained a three-pointer to give his team a comfortable lead at 23-15. Christendom fought hard to hold back Johnson & Wales as they kept control of the scoreboard until the horn sounded. The first half closed with the Crusaders leading 33-28.

The second half was equally thrilling for the fans, as the game remained tight. As the clock drained, the Wildcats increased their aggression and were catching up on the scoreboard. Scoring a layup off a rebound, Luke Ross (Freshman/ Tulsa, OK) kept the Crusaders ahead 52-45. A few minutes later, Evich threw up a 3-point shot to extend the lead. The Wildcats continued to press hard and were drawing close to the Crusaders, but a crucial block by Shultz held them back temporarily. Johnson & Wales managed to tie up the game until around the five-minute mark, when John Fowler (Sophomore/ Tempe, AZ) drained a 3-pointer. With another block, this time by Freshman Michael Vander Woude (Freshman/ Nokesville, VA), and some vital points by Ross, Christendom dominated the end of the match. Multiple costly fouls by the Wildcats brought the Crusaders a greater advantage as the game ended. Christendom captured another thrilling victory 72-61 over the Johnson & Wales Wildcats.

Overall, the team had an impressive 45 rebounds and made 76.5% of their free throws. B. Vander Woude went 3-3 on free throws, while Senior David Echaniz (Senior/ Front Royal, VA) had 100% accuracy from beyond the 3-pt line.

This win marked the first win over the Wildcats in program history, having met three times before their meeting on Saturday, February 22. In 2013, the Crusaders lost by 21 points in Charlotte, in 2015 the Crusaders lost by 52 points again in Charlotte, and in 2016 the Wildcats beat the Crusaders by 37 points. Now, the Crusaders walk away with an 11 point victory over the Wildcats in 2025.

Next Up: The Crusaders will celebrate Senior Night while hosting division and conference opponent, Bucks County Community College this Tuesday, February 25, at 6pm.