Crusaders Give Up Tough Loss Against Southern Virgina

The men’s basketball team played Southern Virginia University’s JV on Tuesday night in their final home contest of the semester.  The Crusaders came out flat and allowed Southern Virginia to build a lead to nearly 20 points in the beginning of the game.  With about 4 minutes left to play in the first half, Christendom’s defensive energy and team pressure sparked some quick lay-ups and transition jump shots to give the team some life.  Offensively, drives and finishes at the rim by Johnny Echaniz and three-point jumpers by Pete Day, Jerome Norton, and Stephen Foeckler brought the team to pull within 13 points at halftime.  

The second half, Christendom played with a little more urgency defensively, attempting frustrate and rush Southern Virginia into quick or poor shots.  However, Southern Virginia turned to their star players for offense and points to help hold their lead throughout the game.  On offense, Christendom executed their motion offense and set plays and kept chipping into Southern Virginia’s lead, and down the stretch, Christendom pulled within six points a few times. However, a couple missed shots and costly turnovers late in the game helped secure the 74-86 victory for Southern Virginia.

Freshman Pete Day led all scoring with 15 points, while fellow freshman Johnny Echaniz and junior Stephen Foeckler each chipped in 13 points and Sophomore Nick Santschi added 10 points.  Echaniz lead the team with 9 rebounds, Senior Jake Wagner grabbed 7 rebounds, and Patrick Pennefather pulled down 5 rebounds.  Christendom had a season high with 17 assists, with Junior Joe Pennefather leading the team with 4 and a few others with 3 assists.