Bucknell punches its ticket

LEWISBURG, Pa. -- Holy Cross coach Ralph Willard knew everything would have to go right for his team in yesterday's Patriot League championship game to knock off top-seeded and defending champion Bucknell. Not just from an execution standpoint, but with the Crusaders' season-long injury and depth issues, from a health and foul standpoint as well.

Within the first 11 minutes, starting point guard Torey Thomas was in the trainer's room with a knee injury and starting forward Alex Vander Baan was on the bench with three fouls.

''When Torey went down, I just shook my head," Willard said. ''I said, 'Not now.' "

Like they have all season, the Crusaders battled through the adversity to stay within 4 points at halftime, but the misfortunes were too much to overcome, especially against the Bison, in the second half.

Senior guard Kevin Bettencourt scored a game-high 23 points and senior forward Charles Lee added 16 to lead Bucknell to a 74-59 victory before 4,110 spirited fans at Sojka Pavilion.

It was the fourth straight victory over Holy Cross for the Bison, who also beat the Crusaders in last year's final. Bucknell (26-4) has won 27 straight home games against Patriot League foes.

The Bison, who upset Kansas in the first round of last year's NCAA Tournament, are going dancing again. Bracketologists have Bucknell seeded as high as 11th.

''We're proud to win the league, that's where we are now," said Bucknell coach Pat Flannery, when asked his thoughts on where the Bison might end up. ''To do it against Holy Cross, who we've had so many battles with and have so much respect for, we're just proud of that right now."

The Crusaders, who had their six-game winning streak snapped, will have to wait to see if an NIT invitation comes their way. Holy Cross (20-12) defeated Notre Dame in the first round of the NIT last season. The pairings for that tournament will be announced tomorrow night.

''I think we would like to go if we get the opportunity," Willard said. ''Especially with a young team, I think it would be good for them."

Senior guard Kevin Hamilton, who was forced to play the point when Thomas went out, led Holy Cross with 20 points and seven rebounds. He also had seven of the Crusaders' 19 turnovers. Hamilton, who has dealt with hip, back, and jaw injuries this season, had his left thumbnail ripped off in the second half.

Junior guard Keith Simmons, who's had cramping problems all year, added 19 points, but was noticeably tired late in the game after playing 38 minutes.

Hamilton and Simmons were named to the all-tournament team.

''You have to play your best, tired or not, and we didn't do that," Simmons said.

Thomas was hurt when he drew contact driving for a layup with 11:40 left in the first. He went down, but no foul was called.

He returned to play later in the half, but lasted just 11 minutes of the second. In a very telling stat line, he finished with 0 points, 0 assists, and 3 turnovers.

''He tried to go and he wanted to go, but he was on one leg," Willard said. ''In the second half, he said, 'You've got to give me a chance,' but at that point we were playing 4 on 5. I said, 'I love you to death, but we need someone out there who can score.' "

With Thomas ineffective and Willard relying heavily on his freshmen coming off the bench, Bucknell pulled away over the first 12 minutes of the second half. Bettencourt knocked down a 3-pointer to start an 11-0 run and his pair of free throws put the Bison up, 60-44, with 7:53 left.

Holy Cross, meanwhile, had 6 points and seven turnovers during the same time span. Simmons's 3-pointer with 7:28 left ended a six-minute scoring drought, but the Crusaders didn't get closer than 9 the rest of the way.

The Bison shot 61 percent in the second half. They shot 52 percent for the game, including 56 percent from 3-point territory.

''We made some freshman mistakes on defense," Willard said, ''and Bucknell is smart enough to take advantage of them. It's tough to expect so much out of young guys, and they just had lapses that allowed 3s for Charles and Kevin."

Bettencourt connected on 7 of 13 field goal tries, including 6 of 10 from 3-point range. His 3-pointer from the left corner as time expired in the first sent Bucknell to the break up, 42-38.

The first half featured eight lead changes and six ties and, surprisingly, a lot of scoring in a game between the league's two best defensive teams. The Crusaders scored 17 of their first-half points from the free throw line (17 of 20).

''I'm proud of the way the guys fought," Willard said, ''but we needed to be full strength against Bucknell. They're too good."