Due West, SC – The Crusaders started their three-game road trip visiting the Flying Fleet of Erskine College for their first meeting of the 2018 – 2019 season. The Flying Fleet commanded the game heading into half time with a thirteen-point lead; however, an impressive comeback by the Crusaders in the fourth quarter sent the game to overtime. After trading baskets in overtime, the Flying Fleet capitalized on late fouls by Crusaders.

1st Quarter

An early run by the Flying Fleet put the Crusaders in an early hole (10 – 4) heading into the media timeout. Coming back from her recent injury Ty Saunders (Sophomore) sparked the Crusaders offense with a steal and layup followed up with two free throws. Neither team could truly break away early on in the game, but the Fleet took their lead into the second quarter.

2nd Quarter

The Flying Fleet made a 8 – 2 run to begin the second quarter following some costly turnovers by the Crusaders. As a team, the Crusader had the cold hand in the first half shooting just 20 percent from three-point range, which is nearly 15-points lower than their average. The Crusaders were without Senior captain Kyli Schmitt and sharpshooter Bree Stoddard (Sophomore) as both are still undergoing concussion protocol. The Flying Fleet took a 13-point lead into halftime.

3rd Quarter

Coming out of halftime the Crusaders came ready to play as the teams traded blows throughout the quarter. The Crusaders heated up from the three-point line going 5 – 11 and shooting 45 percent. Kathleen Rogers (Sophomore), Journey Muhammed (Freshman), and Haylee Luttrell (Freshman) led the shooting for the Crusaders knocking down three-pointers in the quarter.

4th Quarter

In a blowout quarter the Crusaders outscored the Flying Fleet 30 – 19 capped off by a Journey Muhammed three-pointer at the buzzer to send the game to overtime. Trailing by 11 beginning the quarter the Crusaders scored often throughout the last quarter of regular time. Ty Saunders, Kira Bell (Sophomore), and Journey Muhammed led the team’s comeback and ultimately gave the Crusaders the momentum heading into overtime.

Overtime

In their first overtime game of the season the Crusaders took the lead after a layup by Haylee Luttrell but could not sustain the lead as the Flying Fleet tied the game up just seconds later. Down the stretch the Crusaders feel victim to late fouls allowing the Flying Fleet to capitalize at the free throw line.

Individual

Off her recent injury, Tyanna Saunders led the team in points scoring 16 points and collecting 4 rebounds.

Freshman sensation Journey Muhammed scored 14 points, collected 3 rebounds, and had 3 steals.

Haylee Luttrell finished the game with 13 points and had 2 rebounds.

Upcoming

The Crusaders continue their road trip as they take on Emmanuel next Monday (Jan. 21) at 5:30 in Franklin Springs, Georgia; then they play their last exhibition game of the season as they travel to Cullowhee, North Carolina to take on Western Carolina University for a 7 o’clock game. Finally, the Crusaders return next Saturday, January 26^th to take on Lees-McRae College here in Tigerville. That game is set for a 2:00 tip-off.