Notre Dame, IN. The Holy Cross College men’s basketball program recognized the five Saints senior basketball players before their game Wednesday evening. Dom Gatling, Brandon Lawler, Jack Binegar, Travon Brackett, and Ja’Mare Washington were all thanked by the crowd for their accomplishments at Holy Cross College. The Saints defended home court for the seniors, defeating (RV) Trinity International University 76-67. The win wraps up the regular season sweep over the Trojans with the first win, a 94-84 decision, back on December 9. With the win, Holy Cross improves to 18-11 overall, 12-7 in the Chicagoland Collegiate Athletic Conference.
A Storm Cook three gave the Saints a 5-0 lead to start the game. Midway through the first half, Holy Cross led 26-19 after a Travon Brackett jump shot in the paint. The Trojans would make a run to end the half, as Holy Cross would be down 37-36 entering halftime. Ja’Mare Washington had 11 points in the half, and Travon Brackett recorded seven rebounds.
Three minutes into the second half, the Saints would find themselves down 50-42, but a Robby Jimenez three would fuel a run for Holy Cross. With 11 minutes remaining, Jordan Gaines would give the Saints their first lead of the second half, 51-50, after a nice drive and finish. Holy Cross led 73-67 late in the game, and would go 3/4 from the free-throw line to secure the 76-67 victory.
Seniors Travon Brackett and Ja’Mare Washington each scored 17 points in the win, while Brackett pulled down a team-high nine rebounds and Washington added eight rebounds. Robby Jimenez recorded 15 points and Jordan Gaines scored 15 points and dished out four assists. Holy Cross shot 49% from the field and 36% from behind the arc. The Saints proved they were the number one team in the nation in scoring defense allowed, as they limited the Trojans to shooting only 39% from the field.
Men’s basketball will be back in action for their last regular season game when they travel to Calumet College of St. Joseph on Saturday, Feb. 17. Tipoff is set for 4:00pm.
