The Crusaders finally came away with a victory on Thursday night, downing Lincoln Christian 100-91 in the opener of the Tip-Off Tournament at the Doty Center. This was the first test for the Crusaders in regional play.

The boys got off to a flying start, leading by as many as 17 before the Red Lions mounted a comeback in the closing stages. The lead got down to seven with two minutes to play, but a set of defensive stops and fast-break buckets put the game away in the end.

The Crusaders were led by their first double-double performances of the season; Kyle Downing with 37 points and ten rebounds, and Maurice Jordan putting up 25 with ten boards of his own, as well as six steals. The team shot 52% from the floor and out-rebounded LCU 44-22.