WORCESTER, Mass. – Senior forward Gerrale Gates totaled 19 points and 13 rebounds, but the Holy Cross men's basketball team was defeated by Siena 72-59 at the Hart Center at the Luth Athletic Complex. The Crusaders fall to 2-9 on the season, while the Saints improve to 4-6 overall.

Holy Cross finished the game with a 32-31 rebounding advantage, but made just 37.5 percent of its field goal attempts and 22.2 percent of its three-pointers. Siena was able to connect on 58.5 percent of its shots from the floor and 44.4 percent of its attempts from beyond the arc.

The game was close early on, and the Crusaders held a 13-12 with 11 minutes left in the first half. The Saints then went on a 12-0 run to go in front by 11 (24-13). Siena would lead by as many as 17 points late in the half, before taking a 38-23 advantage into the locker room.

After the Saints extended their lead to 18 (41-23) on the opening possession of the second half, Holy Cross used a 10-2 spurt to cut the gap to 10 points (43-33). The Crusaders eventually closed to within seven (54-47) with eight minutes left, before Siena went on a 14-2 run to regain control. Holy Cross would get no closer than 12 points the rest of the way, with the Saints going on to post a 13-point victory.

Sophomore forward Judson Martindale finished the day with 14 points and six rebounds, while freshman guard Kyrell Luc totaled 13 points and four steals. Siena was led by Nick Hopkins with 17 points.

The Crusaders return to action on Sunday, Dec. 19, when they travel to Harvard for a 2:00 p.m. game.

BEYOND THE BOX SCORE:
• Holy Cross wore black uniforms for the first time since Dec. 9, 2014, against Hartford.
• Gates' 19 points were his most in a game this season, while his 13 rebounds tied his career high.
• Luc's four steals were the most by a Crusader in a single game this season, and set a new career high.