Holy Cross Falls 81-49 to South Carolina in Season Opener

Monday, November 14, 2016

Joe Calabro, GoLocalWorcester Sports Team

Robert Champion led Holy Cross with 18 points

The Holy Cross Crusaders men’s basketball team opened their season on Sunday night with a 81-49 loss to South Carolina at Colonial Life Arena.

The Crusaders begin their season with an 0-1 record, while South Carolina is now 2-0 on the year.

South Carolina’s Size Hurts Holy Cross

The Gamecocks had a major size advantage in the game and while the Crusaders stated in zone to try and combat it, South Carolina was just too much.

South Carolina out rebounded Holy Cross 32-16 in the game and when they could not get inside, they were hot from beyond the arc, knocking down 12 three-pointers in the game.

Despite South Carolina’s size advantage, the Crusaders managed to hang around early on in the game, taking a 4-3 lead in the opening minutes of action.

Over the next seven minutes, South Carolina went on a 15-4 run to take a 18-8 lead. The Gamecocks would push their lead to 11, 24-13, midway through the first half before the Crusaders respond with a run of their own, getting with one five, 29-24, but were not able to get closer.

Holy Cross would trail by five again, 31-26, with 4:38 to play before South Carolina went on a 10-0 run to go up 41-26, and lead 44-32 at the half.

The Gamecocks cruised to the win in the second half.

The Stats

The Crusaders were led by senior guard Robert Champion who totaled 18 points on 7 of 15 shooting from the field, while grabbing four rebounds.

Malachi Alexander followed up with 15 points on 5 of 11 shooting, while grabbing six rebounds.

Next up

The Crusaders return to action on Tuesday, November 15 when they visit Syracuse.

Tip off is scheduled for 7 p.m.

Related Slideshow: 10 Biggest Games in Holy Cross Basketball History

Prev Next

10.

March 1, 1975

Holy Cross vs Army - The final game at the Worcester Auditorium

Holy Cross beat Army 89-73 in the final game at the Worcester Auditorium.

The Crusaders were coached by George Blaney and went 229-64 in the building all-time.

PHOTO: Tunnelbug/flickr

Prev Next

9.

Feb, 14, 2001

Holy Cross vs Navy

Holy Cross clinches the programs first ever Patriot League Regular season title beating Navy 77-67 on the road.

Josh Sankes led Holy Cross that season.

Prev Next

8.

March 9, 2001

Holy Cross vs. Navy - Patriot League Championship

Holy Cross beats Navy 68-64 in overtime to win the Patriot League Championship.

Ralph Willard was the head coach.

PHOTO: College Hoop Hits

Prev Next

7.

March 9, 2007

Bucknell vs Holy Cross - Patriot League Championship

The Crusaders hosted the Patriot League Championship game at the Hart Center and defeated Bucknell 74-66.

Keith Simmons led Holy Cross in the game.

PHOTO: Wikipedia

Prev Next

6.

March 10, 1993

Holy Cross vs Bucknell - Patriot League Championship

The Crusaders won their first Patriot league title beating Bucknell 98-73.

Rob Feaster was named tournament MVP after pouring in 66 points and recording 9 steals in three games.

Prev Next

5.

March 5, 1977

Holy Cross vs. #8 Providence in ECAC Championship

Holy Cross defeated Providence 68-67 on a buzzer beater by Chris Potter to win ECAC Championship and advance to NCAA Tournament for first time in 21 years.