The #8 Jesuit Crusaders handily took down the #25 Cleveland Warriors, 52-27 on Wednesday night. Jesuit entered the matchup at 17-7 overall, while Cleveland entered at 14-12.
The Crusaders got out hot, with three baskets behind the arc by senior Amani Lubrano before both teams settled into a defensive battle. Possession changed quickly, but neither team was able to capitalize on offense. This was broken through a layup by sophomore Dulcie Cleeland, as her bucket made the score 13-5 as the first quarter wound down.
The defensive battle continued into the second quarter, with both teams struggling offensively, unable to land shots. Jesuit began to pull away, however, as the Crusaders caught fire halfway through the quarter and managed to go on a huge run that put them up 20-5 with 3:30 left in the second quarter. Jesuit used this momentum to continue to extend their lead, as a Cleveland foul saw the Crusaders enter the bonus up 25-5 with 2:16 left in the second quarter.
Lubrano continued to shine as she knocked down her 5th three of the first half to bring Jesuit’s lead up to 25 points, 30-5. This basket capped a 17 point unanswered run by the Crusaders. The end of a physical second quarter saw Cleveland enter the bonus with 35 seconds left in the half. They capitalized off the opportunity, making the halftime score 30-6 in favor of Jesuit. Lubrano led all scorers with 15 points in the first half.
Cleveland came out shooting in the second half, as senior Cate Kelly knocked down a pair of threes to make the score 34-12. Cleveland managed to carry this momentum throughout the quarter, battling with Jesuit to try and stay in the game. With a minute and a half left in the quarter, Cleveland trailed 40-19. A pair of Cleveland threes saw the quarter end 42-25, as the Warriors built momentum but still trailed the Crusaders considerably heading into the 4th.
The Crusaders made the most of multiple trips to the line, stemming from a physical start to the 4th quarter, to make the score 49-25 with 5:00 to go in the 4th. Both teams then deadlocked defensively, with neither team budging an inch.
A three pointer by senior Lauren Reding with 30 seconds to go would end the scoring drought and extend the Crusaders lead to 52-27, where it would stay until the final buzzer. For Cleveland, the leading scorer was Cate Kelly with 11, while Amani Lubrano led Jesuit with 18 points.
The Crusaders advance to face #9 West Salem at home at 5pm on Saturday, March 7th. Tickets are $10 for adults and $6 for students.
