WASHINGTON –  Despite a back-and-forth battle, the American University women's basketball team (3-11, 2-1 PL) dropped a 62-45 game to Holy Cross (11-3, 3-0 PL), snapping the Eagles' undefeated start to Patriot League play. The Eagles were led by Molly Lavin with 15 points who also tacked on four rebounds and a steal. The Eagles still hold a 2-1 advantage heading into the second weekend of league play.
 
INSIDE THE BOX SCORE

• Lavin led the Eagles in scoring, finishing with 15 points. She scored the bulk of her points from beyond the arc, hitting 50% from range, including three in the first half.
• Forward Lauren Stack notched 8 points for the Eagles while pacing American with six rebounds and three steals.
• Guard Kayla Henning followed up with five points while leading the Eagles with four assists.
• The Crusaders were led by Janelle Allen and Bronagh Power-Cassidy with 19 and 21 points, respectively. Allen also pulled down 10 rebounds while Kaitlyn Flanagan paced the team with 6 assists.

HOW IT HAPPENED

• The Eagles fell behind early to start the game as Holy Cross went on a 7-0 run through the first three minutes, but American finished with a barrage of shots from beyond the arc to keep the game close through the first quarter.
• Lavin hit on two threes while Anna LeMaster added another in the first frame as American went on a 9-2 run through the final two minutes of the quarter.
• Early fouls for the Eagles allowed Holy Cross to go 4-6 from the free throw line in the first quarter on six American personal fouls. Holy Cross finished the night 12-15 on free throws.
• Lavin helped the Eagles draw even midway through the second frame with her third three of the contest. American shot 50% through the first half from beyond the arc.
• Lavin and Laura Nogues tacked on another two points apiece to end the half with an Eagles lead, 28-26.
• Emily Johns and Stack battled in the paint for back-to-back baskets in the third quarter to give the Eagles a 32-31 lead two-and-a-half minutes into the third frame.
• Holy Cross finished the third quarter with a hot hand, outscoring American 17-8 to take a 36-43 lead into the final quarter.
• The Crusaders opened up their lead through the final quarter, holding a 20-9 advantage through the frame.

UP NEXT
The Eagles will be shipping themselves up to Boston to take on Boston University on Sunday, Jan. 8 at 2 p.m. After that, they're back in Bender against Army on Wednesday, Jan. 11 at 7 p.m.

Tickets are on sale now at AUEagles.com/Tickets!
 
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