In the first annual Crusader Invitational, the Crusaders (14-5) jumped out to a 15-7 first quarter lead and continued to play well throughout the game en route to a 64-42 victory over Catholic-BR to claim the tournament trophy.
Heavy defensive pressure forced Catholic into turnovers , six in the first half, and rushed shots which led to fast break opportunities for Brother Martin and a dominant lead in the first two frames.
After entering halftime up 31-16, the Crusaders scored 19 points in the third quarter while allowing Catholic to score only six. Brother Martin was led by junior Irv Smith who scored 6 points in the quarter.
Although Catholic played its best basketball in the fourth quarter, its 50-24 deficit entering the frame was too much to overcome.
Leading the charge for Brother Martin was senior Venjie Wallis and junior Irv Smith with 13 points each, sophomore Bruce Jordan-Swilling tallied eight points, and Vejon Wallis scored seven.
Venjie Wallis was named tournament MVP.
