NEW BRITAIN, Conn. – Sophomore guard Judson Martindale totaled 22 points, four rebounds and three assists, but the Holy Cross men's basketball team was defeated by Central Connecticut 73-67 at Detrick Gymnasium. The Crusaders fall to 2-6 overall, while the Blue Devils improve to 2-6 on the year.

Holy Cross hit 78.9 percent of its free throws on the night, but was only able to connect on 39.0 percent of its shots from the floor and 35.3 percent of its attempts from three-point range. Central Connecticut made 50.0 percent of its field goal attempts and 47.1 percent of its three-pointers. 

The score was close throughout a first half which featured four ties and five lead changes. The Crusaders opened the game with an early 5-0 lead, before the Blue Devils scored the next six points to pull in front. The lead went back-and-forth over the next several minutes, and the score was later tied at 20-20 with 4:51 left before the break. Central Connecticut then used an 8-0 spurt to pull in front, before taking a 30-25 advantage into the locker room.

Holy Cross was down by just three (37-34) early in the second half, when the Blue Devils went on a 10-0 run to take their biggest lead of the night (47-34) with 12:38 left to play. The Crusaders responded with a 14-5 spurt to close the gap, and were later down by just three (66-63) with 1:15 remaining. But Central Connecticut would hit all six of its free throws in the final minute of play to hold on for the win.

Senior forward Gerrale Gates posted a double-double with 16 points and 11 rebounds. Freshman guard Kyrell Luc added 11 points, while sophomore guard R.J. Johnson scored 10 points. The Blue Devils were led by Nigel Scantlebury with 25 points.

The Crusaders return to action on Saturday, Dec. 4, when they travel to La Salle for a 2:00 p.m. game

BEYOND THE BOX SCORE:
• Martindale hit the 20-point mark for the third time this season and the fourth time in his Holy Cross career.
• Gates recorded his second double-double of the year and his sixth as a Crusader.
• Holy Cross tied its season low with 10 turnovers.