Saint Xavier late free throws hold off Crimson Wave 80-79

Whiting, IN – The Calumet College of St. Joseph men's basketball missed a shot as the final buzzer sounded in a tough loss against Saint Xavier Monday, January 15 at the Rittenmeyer Center. The 80-79 loss would be the fourth time this season the Crimson Wave have lost at home.

How it Happened

The Crimson Wave (4-11, 2-6 CCAC) were originally scheduled to play Saint Xavier Saturday, January 13 before the weather postponed the contest until Monday, January 15. The game was well worth the wait as it came down to the final possession with Calumet College trailing by one. 

The game began with Saint Xavier (10-6, 5-3 CCAC) taking a 7-0 lead before CCSJ rallied to tie the game at 10. The Crimson Wave carried that momentum into halftime with a 45-38 advantage, while shooting 60 percent from the field in the process.

The second half was nip-and-tuck, and both teams traded the lead until the final minute of the game. Saint Xavier made a pair of free throws in the final minute to take the lead, giving Calumet College a chance to win the game on the last possession.

With eight seconds remaining, CCSJ was able to race up the court, but the tough Saint Xavier defense forced the Wave to take its last timeout with four seconds left. The final play was designed for Hrvoje Majcunic to come off a screen and get a clear look at the basket. Shooting over the outstretched hands of the Saint Xavier defense, his shot was just wide left, and the Crimson Wave narrowly lost.

The sophomore Majcunic from Crotia recorded a season-high 22 points in the loss after five straight DNP's.

As a team, Calumet College shot 56 percent (33-of-59) from the field and made eight of its 20 (40 percent) 3-point attempts for the game. Both teams were in the same vicinity statistically expect CCSJ had 10 more assists and 34 more bench points than the Cougars.

Crimson Wave Leaders

Hrvoje Majcunic led all CCSJ players with 22 points, hitting five of his six 3-pointers and making eight of his 12 field goals. Devan Nichols had 14 points and seven rebounds while Oshawn Lee had 10 points and four rebounds. Quindarius Davis came off the bench along with Majcunic and added 11 points with four rebounds. 

Up Next

CCSJ returns to action Wednesday, January 17 as they travel to Bourbonnais, Illinois to face Olivet Nazarene at 7:30 PM.