Kingston tops MW in overtime

On Thursday, Jan. 8, Monroe-Woodbury hosted the Kingston Tigers in important league match up. The Tigers came in with a 5-1 record after they lost their last game to Shenendehowa 65-44. The Crusaders came into the game with a 5-5 record after beating Washingtonville 58-46.

With the largest home crowd of the season in the gym and emotions running high, the two teams lined up for the opening tip off. In a defensive battle throughout the first half, the Crusaders were able to pull to a 17-18 lead. Kristopher Bjaelker brought the fans to their feet with a dunk on a breakaway in the first half. Bjaelker, a senior, scored 8 points in the first half and had a team high of 14 in the game.

In the third quarter, Crusader Sophomore Dozie Nwigwe helped the team hold on to a narrow 29-31 lead as he scored 6 points, including four free throws.

In the fourth quarter, Crusader Vodjley Jovial scored 6 of his 11 points to help the team pull to a 10 point lead with 6:30 left in the game. The Tigers then responded and went on a run and with seven seconds left in regulation and tied the score at 43 to forced the game into overtime. In overtime, the Tigers outscored the Crusaders 11-5 and took the 54-48 victory.

The Crusaders loss brings their record to 5-6 on the season. Their next game will be on Tuesday when they host Pine Bush.