LEWISBURG, Pa. – The Holy Cross women's basketball team fell to Patriot League-leading Bucknell, 63-45, on Wednesday, Feb. 19.

Holy Cross (15-10, 8-6 Patriot League) had a balanced scoring effort, led by senior Lauren Manis, who had 14 points and seven rebounds. Senior Nicole Morris had a season-high eight points, including a pair of 3-pointers, and sophomore Avery LaBarbera added in eight points. Senior Megan Swords had seven points, five rebounds and three steals, while sophomore Oluchi Ezemma had six points to go with six rebounds.

Abby Kapp led Bucknell (19-6, 12-2 Patriot League) with 16 points and seven rebounds. Ellie Mack had a double-double of 11 points and 10 rebounds, and Ally Johnson was in double figures with 11 points. Taylor O'Brien finished with eight points and 11 rebounds.

HOW IT HAPPENED:

• The Crusaders and Bison traded the lead early, with Ezemma hitting a layup at the buzzer to give Holy Cross a 10-9 lead after one quarter. Bucknell's Autumn Ceppi and Morris traded baskets before the Bison went on a quick 7-2 run to push their lead to four, 18-14, with 5:40 to go in the half.
• Swords had five unanswered points, giving the Crusaders a 19-18 lead with 4:12 left before Kapp made a three to give the Bison the lead again. Though Holy Cross stayed close, Bucknell maintained an advantage; Mack hit a 3-pointer at the buzzer to give the Bison some separation, making it a 28-24 game at the half.
• Bucknell carried that momentum into the second half, scoring six unanswered points to extend its lead to double figures before the Crusaders called a timeout. The Bison held Holy Cross without a point until Manis had a free throw with 6:08 to go in the third, but Bucknell was able to push its lead to 11 points after Kapp made a pair of free throws.
• LaBarbera cut the Crusaders' deficit to seven after she made two foul shots and hit a jumper. Kapp made a basket on the other end, but LaBarbera had another jump shot to keep Holy Cross within seven.
• Manis was able to keep the Crusaders within seven, 40-33, after she hit a layup with 2:04 to go in the third. Mack immediately put Bucknell back up by nine; Johnson had a 3-pointer to open the fourth quarter, and the Bison led by double figures for the remainder of the contest, with Holy Cross only cutting within 10 points after Morris had a three with 8:03 to go.

BEYOND THE BOX SCORE:

• Morris had the third game of her career with multiple 3-pointers while playing a season-high 21 minutes.

UP NEXT:

• The Crusaders return home to host Colgate on Saturday, Feb. 22 on Senior Day.
• Prior to the game, Holy Cross will recognize its five seniors: Manis, Morris, Swords, Kathryn Pedi and Madalyn Smith.
• Tipoff at the Hart Center is set for 2 p.m.