EASTON, Pa. – Senior forward Gerrale Gates totaled 18 points, seven rebounds and two assists, but the Holy Cross men's basketball team was defeated by Lafayette 84-61 at the Kirby Sports Center. The Crusaders fall to 9-19 overall and 7-9 in the Patriot League, while the Leopards improve to 10-17 on the year and 7-9 in the conference.

Holy Cross made just 38.9 percent of its field goal attempts and 36.4 percent of its three-pointers on the night. Lafayette was able to connect on 56.1 percent of its shots from the floor and 54.2 percent of its attempts from beyond the arc, while committing only six turnovers.

The game was close early on, and the Crusaders led 11-10 with 13:54 remaining in the first half. The Leopards then went on an 18-4 run over the next seven and a half minutes to take a 13-point lead (28-15). Lafayette would later close out the half with a 9-2 spurt to take a 39-22 advantage into the locker room.

Holy Cross opened the second half with a quick 7-2 run to trim the margin to 12 points (41-29). But a few minutes later the Leopards used a 12-1 spurt to regain control, going in front by 23 (55-32). The Crusaders would get no closer than 20 points the rest of the way, with Lafayette going on to post a 23-point victory.

Sophomore guard Bo Montgomery finished the game with 11 points, three rebounds and three assists, while freshman guard Kyrell Luc added 10 points and two rebounds. The Leopards were led by Neal Quinn with 20 points, six assists and four rebounds.

Holy Cross will return to action on Wednesday, Feb. 23, when it plays host to Colgate at 7:00 p.m.