Jan. 10, 2009
Box Score
WORCESTER, Mass. - Holy Cross sank 13-of-14 from the free throw line in the final two minutes to secure an 81-67 victory over Lafayette in Saturday's Patriot League men's basketball opener.
Jeff Kari and Ryan Willen scored 16 and 13 points, respectively, to lead the Leopards.
The Crusaders boasted three in double figures with Andrew Keister leading the way (17 points), followed by Andrew Beinert (16) and Colin Cunningham (10). Cunningham and Keister also grabbed nine rebounds apiece.
In the opening minutes, Marek Koltun helped Lafayette match Holy Cross offensively with solid post play, posting a career-high eight points in the first half. The Crusaders went on a 10-2 run midway through the first half and entered halftime with a 36-24 lead.
Lafayette opened the second period hot when Ben Wheeler drained a three. The Leopards cut it to single digits when Michael Gruner grabbed a rebound to kick off a fast break. He forwarded it to Kari who swiftly passed it to Andrew Brown in the corner for a trey, 42-35, at 15:32.
Willen nailed a three on a second-chance opportunity near the 12-minute mark to cut Holy Cross' lead to four. Alex Vander Baan and Beinert responded with a pair of threes and Lafayette's comeback came to a standstill.
Lafayette was out-rebounded 35-22. Lafayette shot 46 percent from the floor compared to 53 percent for Holy Cross.
The Leopards will continue on in conference play, hosting Colgate on Wednesday 7 p.m. and Navy on Saturday at 1 p.m.
Game Notes
Fran O'Hanlon used his fourth lineup of the season, inserting freshman Ryan Willen and sophomore Jared Mintz into the starting five at forwards while Ben Wheeler started at guard.
