Crusaders down Drew to move to 4-0 in Landmark

SELINSGROVE, Pa. – Home is still sweet home for the Susquehanna University men's basketball team, as it gritted out a 51-42 win over Drew University Friday to remain undefeated in Landmark Conference play.

The Crusaders (7-7, 4-0 Landmark) had their hands full with a physical Rangers (4-10, 1-3 Landmark) squad that played close throughout, pulling within one at 8:38 in the second half. Kevin Cuff (Pottsville, Pa./Nativity B.V.M.) hit a three-pointer 30 seconds later to put the Crusaders up four.

Scoring then lagged in the waning minutes. Josh Robinson (Mahwah, N.J./River Dell) (right) bombed another three at 6:45, then both teams were scoreless for two minutes. Drew got a Chris Lopez layup to get within five, but Robinson would strike again with his own layup.

In addition to his game-high 25 points, Robinson did his part on defense as well, swatting away two Ranger shots and also notching two steals. Cuff and Brad Okonak (Lebanon, Pa./Lebanon) added eight points apiece for the Crusaders.

Joel Patch (Conklin, N.Y./Susquehanna Valley) led Susquehanna on the boards with seven rebounds and Bryan Majors (Harrisburg, Pa./Harrisburg) dished out five assists.

The two teams were even with 32 rebounds each. Susquehanna outshot Drew, hitting 40.5 percent to the Rangers' 33.3 percent.

The Crusaders host a second day of Landmark Conference play as they host Merchant Marine Saturday at 4 p.m.