Saints Narrow Loss to IUSB

The Holy Cross men's basketball team fought until the final buzzer but fell just short in an 87-83 loss to cross-town rival Indiana University South Bend on Wednesday night at McKenna Arena.

The Saints came out firing, taking a 41-33 lead into halftime after building a game-high 14-point advantage late in the first half. Despite the strong start, the Titans surged in the second half, and a back-and-forth battle unfolded with multiple lead changes before IUSB pulled ahead in the closing moments.

Jayden Sanders led Holy Cross with 23 points while adding 3 rebounds, 2 assists, and a steal. Callaghan Weatherspoon followed with 22 points and a team-high 8 rebounds to go along with 4 assists. Donovan Waleskowski provided 18 points and 2 assists, while Karl Birgisson chipped in 11 points and 3 rebounds.

Defensively, Donovan Mukes made his presence known with 4 steals and a block, finishing with 7 points and 4 rebounds. As a team, the Saints recorded 14 assists and turned defensive pressure into 16 points off turnovers.

Holy Cross knocked down 24 free throws and showed resilience throughout, but IUSB's efficiency at the line and second-chance opportunities proved to be the difference.

The Saints will look to bounce back when they return home on Saturday, February 14, with tipoff set for 1PM