Crenshaw's 31 Points Not Enough as Men's Basketball Falls to Siena Heights

(Lansing, MI)-- The Cleary Cougar men's basketball team saw their three-game win-streak come to an end Saturday afternoon, as they fell to the visiting Siena Heights Saints 71-66.

Siena Heights opened the game with a two-pointer, and then Brian Everhart hit a three to give the Cougars an early 3-2 lead.  The Saints answered with a three of their own, and the teams would trade baskets as they jockeyed for a foothold in the game.  After Bennie Crenshaw Jr. hit a three, followed by a second three from Nick Ellis, the Cougars would lead 15-14.  The Saints would then go on a 10-1 run to take a 24-16 lead.  Cleary would cut into the lead, and it would be a three point game after Bennie Crenshaw Jr. connected on a three pointer to make it a 26-23 game.  It would remain a three point game until Siena Heights made two free throws with six seconds to go, and the Saints would lead at the half 35-30.

The second half would see the Cougars stay within five points, but with the score 45-42, Tim Kewley made a layup to make it a 45-44 game with 9:30 to play in the game.  Siena Heights would regain their five point lead, and then extended it to 53-46  with 6:36 left in the game.  After Cleary cut the deficit to four points, Siena Heights made it an eight point game.  Trailing by six, Jacob Mueller made a contested layup to make it a four point game.  Cleary would play the foul game, to give themselves more time, and hoping the Saints would miss their free throws.  Cleary would make it a 69-66 game with nine seconds to play in the game.  Bennie Crenshaw Jr. would push the ball forward, and was fouled, but the referees did not call a shooting foul on his attempt.  Crenshaw would miss his first free throw attempt, and was forced to intentionally miss his second attempt.  Cleary would foul the Saints, who then converted the resulting free thows to ice the game, and made it a 71-66 game.

Bennie Crenshaw Jr. would have a game high 31 points, to go with 5 rebounds, and 4 assists.  Nick Ellis would have 13 points and 6 rebounds, while Jacob Mueller added 10 points and 6 rebounds.

Cleary falls to 4-7 overall, 3-3 in the WHAC.  The Cougars will return to action on Wednesday, December 17, when they host the Lourdes Gray Wolves at 7:30 PM.