THE BASICS:

• Score:  Holy Cross 55, Albany 49
• Records: Holy Cross 3-4; Albany 4-3
• Location: SEFCU Arena, Albany, N.Y.
• Date: November 30, 2016
• The Lead: Senior guard Robert Champion scored a season-high 22 points to lead the Holy Cross men's basketball team to a 55-49 victory over Albany at SEFCU Arena.

MAN OF THE MATCH PRESENTED BY THE UNITED STATES MARINES:

• After the game, Champion was selected as the United States Marines Man of the Match.
• He hit eight of 16 field goal attempts, four of seven three-pointers and both of his free throw attempts on the night.
• Champion also tied for the team lead with three steals.

INSIDE THE NUMBERS:

• The Crusaders turned in an outstanding defensive performance, forcing the Great Danes to commit 18 turnovers while recording 12 steals.
• Holy Cross also held Albany to 11.1 percent shooting from three-point range.
• Senior forward Malachi Alexander finished the night with 17 points, seven rebounds and three assists.
• Albany was led by David Nichols with 14 points, four rebounds and three assists.

HOW IT HAPPENED:

• The game was close throughout a first half which featured three ties and five lead changes.
• The Crusaders led by four (12-8) with 12:24 left in the first half, before the Great Danes scored 10 straight points to pull ahead.
• Albany eventually led 26-20 heading into the locker room.
• The Great Danes held onto a small lead early in the second half, and were still up by four (40-36) with 7:23 left to play.
• Holy Cross then scored eight straight points to start a 15-2 run which gave them a 51-42 lead.
• Champion scored 11 of his points during that spurt, while a three-pointer by Alexander put the Crusaders in front for good.
• The Crusaders would hit five of six free throws in the final minute to clinch the victory.

BEYOND THE BOX SCORE:

• Holy Cross improves to 3-1 all-time against Albany, including a 2-0 record at SEFCU Arena.
• Alexander set a season-high with his 17 points, while tying his season-high with seven boards.
• The Crusaders hit 11 of 29 three-point attempts, while making at least 10 three-pointers for the second straight game.

UP NEXT:

• Holy Cross returns to action on Saturday, Dec. 3, when it travels to New Hampshire for a 7:00 p.m. game.

BE PART OF THE ACTION:

• Season and single-game tickets to see the Crusaders are on sale now. Make sure you don't miss the opportunity to see the best collegiate basketball in Central Massachusetts! Tickets for Holy Cross basketball can be purchased online at GoHolyCross.com/tickets or over the phone by calling 1-844-GOCROSS.

KEEP CONNECTED:

• To stay updated on the Holy Cross men's basketball team, follow the Crusaders on Twitter @HCrossMBB and on Facebook at HolyCrossBasketball.
• You can also subscribe for email alerts for all news and information on the team by clicking here.