Providence – (November 13th, 2024) Coming off their first win against Monmouth, the Bears looked to carry momentum, but Holy Cross had other plans. From the opening tip-off, both teams showcased their offensive and defensive prowess, setting the tone for a competitive matchup. The Crusaders took the initial lead as Mary Elizabeth Donnelly knocked down a quick three-pointer, putting pressure on Brown. Grace Arnolie got Brown on the board at the free-throw line, but an early turnover allowed Holy Cross’ Meg Calhoun to drive to the basket, giving them a 5-2 advantage. Gianna Aiello’s offensive rebound and put-back, followed by Olivia Young’s runner, handed Brown a 6-5 lead. Young then hit a three, extending the lead to 9-5, and forcing a Holy Cross timeout with just over six minutes left in the first quarter.
Following the timeout, Brown extended their lead to 13-5 with a jumper from Olivia Young, but Holy Cross began to respond. Kaitlyn Flanagan’s jumper and Kendall Eddy’s pull-up shot brought the Crusaders within three points, setting up a tied game when Simone Foreman hit an and-one to even the score at 15-15. Eddy continued her hot streak, hitting another jumper to push Holy Cross ahead 17-15 by the end of the first quarter.
The second quarter was just as intense. Brown’s Amia Ofunrein drove to the rim to tie it up again at 17-17, but Holy Cross’ defensive pressure led to a string of turnovers for Brown. Simone Foreman drilled a three, pushing the Crusaders’ lead to 20-17. Berger’s strong defense and shot-blocking helped contain Brown’s offense, while Eddy’s three-pointer expanded the Crusaders’ lead to 23-18. Brown’s Mady Calhoun fired back with a three, electrifying Brown’s bench and keeping them within two. Yet Holy Cross held firm, with Foreman and Flanagan closing the half with scores that gave them a 32-23 lead. At the half, Holy Cross capitalized on second-chance opportunities 14-2 and hitting 36.4% of their three-point shots.
As the third quarter began, Holy Cross extended their lead quickly. Berger’s basket off the glass made it 34-23, and the Crusaders were relentless in their approach. Brown attempted to close the gap with a three-pointer from Arnolie, but Holy Cross responded with efficient scoring and controlled ball movement. A fast-break layup from Cahalan and Eddy’s consistent mid-range shots kept the Crusaders firmly in command, prompting a quick timeout from Brown after Holy Cross took a commanding 40-26 lead.
In the final quarter, Brown showed signs of a comeback. Ofunrein’s early layup brought them within six points, and Powell’s three-pointer energized the Bears’ bench, cutting the deficit to 52-47. However, Holy Cross responded decisively. Eddy hit another three-pointer, and Foreman’s offensive rebound and putback extended the lead further. Despite late scores from Brown’s Young and Lahey, Holy Cross kept a comfortable distance. In the closing minutes, Eddy’s layup solidified the Crusaders’ control, sealing the 68-53 victory. The Bears had 3 players finish in double figures Aima Ofunrein with 16pts, 5rebs, Grace Arnolie, with 13pts, 4ast, and Olivia Young with 10pts and 4 rebounds. The Bears will play Lehigh on Sunday November 17th at 1pm.
