Holy Cross Stuns Top Seeded Bucknell 77-72 in Double OT Thriller

Friday, March 04, 2016

Joe Calabro, GoLocalWorcester Sports Team

Malachi Alexander led the Crusaders

The Holy Cross Crusaders have defeated top seeded Bucknell 77-72 in double overtime in the second round of the Patriot League tournament. This is the first time the Crusaders have beaten Bucknell this season, after losing by more than 20 points in the two regular season meetings.

Holy Cross led by one, 70-69, with 1:35 left to play in the second over time period when Karl Charles got a layup with 1:24 to play to give the Crusaders a three point lead.

On the Crusaders next possession, Karl Charles grabbed the defensive rebound and then took a pass from Malachi Alexander and hit a three-pointer to put the Crusaders up 75-69 with 25 seconds to play.

Bucknell would get within three, 75-74, before Malachi Alexander would seal the game at the free throw line.

Robert Champion Sends it to Double-OT

Holy Cross trailed 65-62 with 9 seconds left in the first overtime period. On their final possession, Anthony Thompson missed a three-pointer but Robert Champion grabbed the offensive board and hit a desperation three with less than a second on the clock to get Holy Cross into double overtime, tied at 65.

The Crusaders trailed by as much as six, 61-55, in the overtime period.

Nearly Had it in Regulation

Holy Cross led 52-50 after a Matt Husek tipis with 1:48 to go and had chances to extend the lead but were unable too.

Bucknell would take a 53-52 lead on a Zach Thomas three with 48 seconds to play before Robert Champion would tie the game at 53, going 1 of 2 from the free throw line.

The Bison had a chance to win the game with 5 seconds left but a Chris Hass jumper missed the mark.

Bucknell led 25-24 at the half.

The Leaders

Holy Cross was led by Malachi Alexander who poured in 20 points and grabbed 8 rebounds while Robert Champion had 10 points and grabbed 9 rebounds.

Matt Husek contributed 12 points and 5 rebounds.

Next up

Holy Cross advances to play Army in the Patriot League semi-final on Sunday, March 6. Tip off is set for noon time.

The game will be televised on CBS Sports Net.

More to come.. .

Related Slideshow: 5 Takeaways From Holy Cross’ Upset of Bucknell

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Free Throws

Neither Holy Cross or Bucknell were great from the free throw line in this one.

The Crusaders went 16 of 24 while Bucknell went 18 of 26.

The missed points cost Bucknell and nearly cost Holy Cross at the end of regulation and in the first over time.

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Matt Husek

Matt Husek gave a big contribution for Holy Cross, netting 12 points on 4 of 8 shooting from the field in 28 minutes off the bench.

Husek was second on the team in scoring and also grabbed 5 rebounds in the game.

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Karl Charles

Karl Charles finished with 10 points, 6 assists and 5 rebounds in the game.

In the second over time period, it was Charles who propelled the Crusaders to the win taking a 70-69 Holy Cross lead and turning it into a 75-69 lead after a lay up and a three on back to back possessions.

Charles was named to the Patriot League All-Rookie team at the end of the season and over the last couple of games he has shown why.

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Malachi Alexander

Alexander led Holy Cross with 20 points on 6 of 15 shooting from the field and 6 of 8 from the free throw line.

Alexander hit two clutch free throws with time winding down in the second over time period to give Holy Cross their final margin of 77-72 after Bucknell cut it to three, 75-72.

Alexander also grabbed 8 rebounds in the game.

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The Shot

Holy Cross trailed 65-62 with 9 seconds left in the first overtime period.

On their final possession, Anthony Thompson missed a three-pointer but Robert Champion grabbed the offensive board and hit a desperation three with less than a second on the clock to get Holy Cross into double overtime, tied at 65.

Champion finished the game with 10 points on 3 of 13 shooting in 34 minutes of action off the bench for Holy Cross.

He now holds one of the greatest shots in Holy Cross history.