Christendom’s men’s basketball team pulled off a dramatic buzzer-beater win this past week, taking down Regent University 72-70 in one of the most thrilling finishes of the season.
The men’s basketball team, entering the game at 4-9 on the season, looked to bounce back after a tough loss to McDaniel just a few days prior. The team jumped to a 36-31 lead at the half, thanks to strong performances from John Fowler and Bobby and Michael Vander Woude. The team stretched that lead even further at the start of the second half, but Regent refused to back down. They clawed their way all the way back, finally taking a 70-69 lead with just two seconds left in the game.
Christendom drew up one last play, getting the ball into Bobby Vander Woude’s hands. He took one dribble and then launched the ball from well past midcourt as the buzzer sounded. Both teams, and the Regent home crowd, collectively held their breath — and then watched the ball sink into the net. 72-70, Christendom win, in one of the most dramatic finishes of not only this season, but any Christendom men’s basketball season.
Bobby Vander Woude finished the game with 16 points, while Michael led the team with 22. Fowler also dropped 17 points of his own in the statement road win for Christendom.
The team will take on Regent in a rematch on Wednesday, January 28, this time in front of Christendom’s home crowd, in an instant must-watch game.
Women’s Basketball
The women’s basketball team quickly bounced back from a tough loss to Washington Adventist early last week with back-to-back wins heading into the weekend, first taking down Patrick Henry 56-13 at home. Mary Pennefather led the team with points and rebounds in the game, grabbing 29 and 18, respectively.
The second matchup against Apprentice proved to be a much tougher matchup for Christendom. While the team held a six-point lead through the first half, Apprentice kept clawing back, cutting Christendom’s lead down. Christendom remained composed down the stretch, however, holding on to secure the 68-64 victory. Lucy Pennefather led the team with 24 points and 13 rebounds, while her sister, Mary, grabbed 22 points of her own.
The team, now sitting at 6-3, will next play Regent University at home on Wednesday, January 28.