HAMILTON – Holy Cross used a decisive 15-0 run in the third quarter to stave off a young but determined Colgate effort in a 61-40 Patriot League outcome here Saturday.
 
The Raiders (1-8) trailed just 30-28 at halftime and then Alexa Brodie drove for a tying layup inside the opening minute of the third quarter.
 
But Colgate went scoreless over the next 5:44 while Holy Cross was efficient, making five of its next 10 shots and building a 45-30 advantage. The Crusaders maintained a double-digit lead the rest of the way.
 
Brodie's return to action was a spark for Colgate, as was the play of Keelah Dixon. Both have been battling injuries – it's been a Colgate theme for 2021 – and they led the Raider scoring column with nine points apiece.
 
After Saturday's game, it was determined that Colgate will be unable to play Sunday against Holy Cross as a result of falling below the NCAA minimum number of healthy student-athletes who could compete.
 
The Raiders on Saturday started two sophomores and three first-years, with Lindsay Blackmore and Maggie Walsh earning their first career starts. Brodie's return to the lineup after four games missed because of injury was just the elixir Colgate needed, especially in a second quarter that saw the Raiders take a brief lead.
 


Holy Cross (6-5) led 13-9 after one quarter but then Dixon scored on a driving layup followed by a 3-point-play to tie the game at 20-20. The Crusaders went back on top 27-22 but then it was Dixon on a driving layup, Tiasia McMillan on a put-back and Dixon with a nifty step-back jumper that lifted Colgate into a 28-27 lead.
 
Avery LaBarbera's 3-pointer with 7 seconds remaining before halftime pushed Holy Cross back into the lead heading to the locker room.
 
Dixon scored all nine of her points in the second quarter. Blackmore, also playing for the first time since Jan. 10, scored seven and led the team with six boards. Alexa Naessens was the assist leader with four.
 
Bronagh Power-Cassidy paced four in double figures for the visitors with 13 points. Oluchi Ezemma added 10 points and nine boards.
 
Bottom Line
• Holy Cross 61, Colgate 40


 
From the Source
• Head Coach Bill Cleary: (On the game) "We came out with the right intensity. In the second half, we made the passes we wanted to make but just weren't able to convert. We missed a lot of layups today."
 
(Play4Kay Game) "Breast cancer is something that has touched all of our lives, so anytime we can take the court to fight for family members and loved ones is incredible. It is such a worthwhile cause that is near and dear to all of our hearts."
 
(On Sunday's cancellation) "We feel it is in the best interest of our student-athletes. Our administration has done an incredible job, top to bottom, from President Casey to Dean McLoughlin and Provost Hucks, to Nicki Moore and Juliana Smith, they've done a great job of helping us get out here through their tireless efforts, and we're really grateful. They've always put the student-athlete first, and it shows here again today with all they have done."


 
Stats of the Game
• The Raiders outshot Holy Cross 41.4 percent to 38.7 percent. Colgate in the second half was just 6-of-26.
• Holy Cross outrebounded Colgate 43-31 and held a 13-4 advantage in second-chance points.
• McMillan knocked down her first career 3-pointer on her first collegiate attempt, midway in the second quarter. The first-year forward finished with five points.
 
Up Next
• Sunday's Colgate-Holy Cross game is canceled. The Raiders are scheduled to play next weekend against Lehigh, with the date, site and start time to be determined.