WORCESTER, Mass. – Junior forward Caleb Kenney scored a career-high 20 points and grabbed seven rebounds, but the Holy Cross men's basketball team was defeated by Sacred Heart 84-77 at the Hart Center at the Luth Athletic Complex. The Crusaders fall to 1-2 overall, while the Pioneers improve to 2-1 on the year.
 
 HOW IT HAPPENED:
• Holy Cross started the game strong and held a 20-16 lead after the first 10:09 of action.
• Sacred Heart then went on a 19-5 run to pull in front, and eventually held a 39-31 advantage at halftime.
• The Crusaders opened up the second half with a 12-6 spurt to close to within two points (45-43) with 16 minutes left to play.
• The Pioneers' lead later stood at 63-59 with 7:02 remaining, before they scored eight straight points to go in front by 12.
• Holy Cross was able to trim the margin to five (75-70) with 1:34 to go, but Sacred Heart hit eight of 10 free throws down the stretch to hold on for the win.
 
INSIDE THE NUMBERS:
• The Crusaders made 48.5 percent of their field goal attempts and 37.5 percent of their three-pointers on the night, but were only able to connect on 40.0 percent of their foul shots.
• The Pioneers connected on just 46.7 percent of their shots from the floor, 47.6 percent of their three-pointers and 72.0 percent of their free throws, while committing just 10 turnovers.
• Senior guard Joe Octave finished the night with 20 points, seven rebounds and two assists.
• Sophomore guard Will Batchelder added 18 points and four assists, while freshman forward Joe Nugent had 11 points and six boards.
• Tanner Thomas led Sacred Heart with 21 points, five rebounds and two steals.

UP NEXT:
• Holy Cross will take part in the Rock Hill (S.C.) Invitational from Nov. 17-19. The Crusaders' first game in the event will come on Friday, Nov. 17, against Winthrop at 5 p.m.

BE PART OF THE ACTION:
• Tickets to see the Crusaders in action can be purchased online at GoHolyCross.com/tickets or by calling or texting 1-844-GOCROSS.

FOLLOW THE CRUSADERS:
Be sure to follow the Holy Cross men's basketball team — and all things Crusader Athletics — on social media!
Twitter - @HCrossMBB | @goholycross
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