Crusaders come from behind to defeat the Wizards
Central Valley. Stout fourth-quarter play proved to be the difference.
| 19 Dec 2019 | 11:54
Dan Quinones gets off a jump shot in the first half. (
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Josh Castro drives through two Wizard defenders to help lead the second half comeback.
Will Fuchs hits a big three-point shot in the fourth quarter.
Gavin Reich hit four big free throws in the second half to put the Wizards away.
On Wednesday night, Dec. 18, the Crusaders hosted the Washingtonville Wizards of in a non-league match up.
The Crusaders entered the game with a 1-2 record, having lost to Chester last week while the Wizards arrived at 2-1 having lost to Newburgh in their last game.
The Wizards jumped out to five-point lead in the first quarter but Will Fuchs' five points kept the Crusaders within striking distance.
In the second quarter, the Wizards increased their lead to six points and took a 25-19 advantage into the half.
The Crusaders began to turn things around in the second half. They cut into the Wizards' lead behind Dan Quinones' eight points. Then when Gavin Reich hit a free throw, the Crusaders had tied the score.
The Wizards, however, wrestled control back and took a 37-33 lead into the fourth quarter.
With the game on the line in the final quarter, the Crusaders might have played their best basketball of the young season.
A big three-point shot by Fuchs, great job on the free throw line by Dan and Pablo Quinones and Reich, and then Josh Castro took the ball to the basket and scored seven of his 15 points on the night.
The Crusaders' inspired play in the second half led to an exciting come-from-behind 52-49 victory.
The victory brings the team's record to 2-2 on the season. Next up: Pine Bush at home on Friday night.
- William Dimmit