EASTON, Pa. - Men's Basketball shot 58 percent from the floor to defeat Holy Cross, 82-65, on Saturday afternoon at Kirby Sports Center.

All five starters scored in double figures, led by Justin Vander Baan's season-high 18 points, six rebounds, four assists and two blocks. Caleb Williams (15), Andrew Phillips (13), Mark Butler (12) and Alex Chaikin (10) helped the team to a 42 percent total performance from beyond the arc.

The Crusaders took an early advantage through the initial media timeout, before Lafayette fired off a 21-4 run to lead 26-12 at the eight-minute mark. Seven Leopards contributed in the offensive barrage, led by Vander Baan and Misha Bednostin's four points apiece.

Three-of-four from long distance kept Lafayette out front in the remaining six minutes, fueling a 16-9 stretch out to a game-high 42-21 advantage at 1:32. Williams netted a buzzer-beating putback for the 44-25 halftime statement.

Holy Cross' Joe Nugent opened the second half with nine points to get the Crusaders within 10, trailing 51-41 at 15:35.

Lafayette retaliated with a three-minute 12-5 spurt to keep at a comfortable 63-46 lead.

The Crusaders made a 15-8 run of their own by the seven-minute mark, despite being unable to get closer to the Leopards' 10-point margin, 71-61.

In the final five minutes, Butler posted eight points alone to close out the afternoon on top, 82-65, and help Lafayette improve to 2-2 in Patriot League play.

Holy Cross shot 43 percent from the floor and got off six 3-pointers. Nugent led the opponent with 18 points and four rebounds.

The hosts out-rebounded the Crusaders 33-29 and sank 6-of-12 from the charity stripe. 

Next up, the Leopards visit Army on Wednesday for a 6 p.m. tip-off.


For the latest on the Lafayette College men's basketball program, follow the Leopards on Twitter @LafayetteMBB and Instagram @lafayettembb.