It was a statement week for Christendom basketball, with both the men’s and women’s teams delivering huge road victories. The men’s team shocked the nation’s No. 1 ranked Penn State Mont Alto in a nail-biter, while the women continued their dominant run, racking up their 14th and 15th wins of the season.
Men’s Basketball
The men’s basketball team entered their road game against Penn State Mont Alto as underdogs, taking on the No. 1 ranked team in the nation on their home court. Despite battling injuries and illness, they came out swinging, capitalizing on Penn State’s slow start and grinding their way to a 28-26 halftime lead. The difference? Their ability to cash in at the free throw line, hitting 20-of-28 free throws in the first half alone.
Mont Alto tried to mount a second-half comeback, but Christendom wasn’t backing down. Clutch plays and relentless defense sealed the deal as the Crusaders pulled off the upset, 59-57— their biggest win of the season so far, and the first time Christendom’s men’s basketball has beaten a No. 1 ranked team in program history. John Fowler led the charge with 22 points, while Daniel Schultz dominated the boards with 11 rebounds.
While the team fell against Manor College on Saturday, they will look to bounce back against Central Penn this coming Wednesday, February 5.
Women’s Basketball
Continuing their long road trip, the women’s basketball team also took on Penn State Mont Alto on Wednesday, looking to extend their current four-game winning streak. From the opening tipoff, they took control of the game, locking down defensively and holding Penn State to just five first-quarter points. By halftime, Christendom was up 16 and ready to put the hammer down
While Penn State Mont Alto would try and rally in the second half, they could not match up to Christendom’s relentless offense, ultimately falling to the Crusaders 68-49. Catherine Thomas was unstoppable, dropping 28 points while grabbing 10 boards and swiping 5 steals. Mary Pennefather added 20 points — including her 1000th point overall as a Christendom Crusader — and Miranda Keller led the rebounding effort with 11.
The momentum carried into Saturday’s matchup against Chesapeake College, where Christendom ran away with a 71-47 victory—win number 15 on the season.
Next up: a showdown with Washington Adventist on Monday as they look to push their streak to seven straight.
For more information, visit christendomathletics.com.