Crusaders Send NDC to second straight loss!!

The Notre Dame Falcons (7-2) who looked unbeatable at times during their school record seven game win streak to begin the season lost for a second consecutive time Friday night. The Madonna Crusaders (2-8) protected their home floor with a 78-72 win at the Activities center in the Madonna State Farm classic.

The Falcons fell despite 22 points and a game high 17 rebounds from Sophomore Eric Dummermuth. Notre Dame had four players in double figures. Nick McCartney had 14, while Will Townsend and Curtis Mclure added 10 each. The Falcons were 28-72 (38 percent) from the field. Normally a strong- suit for the "blue and white" Notre Dame struggled from downtown. The Falcons were just 3 of 14 (21%) from beyond the arc. The Falcons on again, off again free throw woes returned Friday. NDC was only 54% (15 of 28) at the charity stripe. The Falcons did win the rebounding battle 47-40. Normally very good at sharing the basketball, NDC only managed 6 assists on 27 made field goals Friday.

The Crusaders had three players tally 20 + points in their upset win. Kevin Henry led the way with 21 points to go along with six assists. Bryant Slaughter and Geoff Gaylor netted 20 points each. The Crusaders were 28 of 59 (48%) from the field, including a sizzling 15 for 28 (54%) in the second half. Madonna was 6 of 18 (33%) from three point land which gave them a +9 on the evening from long range. The Crusaders were 15-24 (64%) at the foul line. The Crusaders prevailed despite committing 20 turnovers. The final day of the 2009 State Farm Classic will be Saturday. Notre Dame College will face Michigan Dearborn at Noon, Rochester College will take on the hosts from Madonna at 2:30 to follow.