The Lady Crusaders basketball team celebrated senior night in terrific fashion on Saturday, with seniors Gemma McMahon, Helena Briggs, and Georgie Messing leading the team to a comeback overtime win over Mid-Atlantic Christian University, 64-52. On the men’s side, the Crusaders squandered a strong first half and fell to Mid-Atlantic 69-66 in the final minutes.
Each sport at Christendom uses their final home game of the season to celebrate the accomplishments of graduating seniors, with Saturday marking the final home game for four Lady Crusaders. With emotions running high, the Lady Crusaders took an early lead against the Mustangs in the first quarter, before falling behind in the second and third. With minutes left to play, Briggs went on a tear, scoring eight of the Lady Crusaders seventeen 4th quarter points. At the end of regulation, the two teams tied 49-49, leading to the first overtime matchup of the Lady Crusaders’ season — fitting for the final home game.
This year’s graduating seniors. From left to right: Helena Briggs, Gemma McMahon, Georgie Messing, and Clare Hepler.
The two teams traded points back and forth to start OT, before Christendom took control in the final two minutes. Messing stepped up and led the team with six points in OT, resulting in a 64-52 victory in front of a roaring home crowd. McMahon, Messing, and Mercy Willson each scored a double-double, with Messing leading the team in points scored with fifteen.
The men’s basketball team followed the Lady Crusaders on the home court, ready to rebound after a loss to Washington Adventist last week. In the first half, the Crusaders looked like they were going to do just that, as they led Mid-Atlantic 40-32. Patrick Pennefather and Jon Messing carried the team there, scoring 15 and 13 points respectively.
In the second half, the Mustangs mounted a comeback, finally taking the lead with four minutes left to play. Both teams went back and forth, keeping the game close, but a foul in the final seconds cost Christendom, allowing Mid-Atlantic to go up 69-66. That score would stand as final, despite an incredible 30-point performance from Pennefather.
The Lady Crusaders will play their final two games of the season on the road, while the Crusaders will play their final game and celebrate senior day at home on Saturday, February 23. For more information, please visit christendomathletics.com.