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Post-Game Press Conference:
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NORFOLK, VA--ODU senior DeShawn Painter scored 12 points with eight rebounds and freshman guard Keenan Palmore added nine points and nine rebounds, but Holy Cross defeated the Monarchs, 46-45 in the season opener of the Liberty Tax classic, presented by Athletes In Action Friday night. In the earlier game of the TournamentOpener, Morgan state defeated UT San Antonio, 71-59.
ODU tied the game, 45-45 with 12 seconds left on a driving basket by Dimitri Batten. Holy Cross' Cullen Hamilton was then fouled, hitting the first and missing the second free throw. Palmore got The rebound, but the Monarchs were unable to get off a shot.
The Crusaders led 22-18 at halftime and by as much as eight, 30-22 with 15:03 left in the game. The Monarchs rallied and tied the contest at 32-32 with 11:04 left. In all, the contest was tied seven times with four lead changes.
Justin Burrell and Cullen Hamilton each scored 15 points for Holy Cross. The Crusaders shot .296 (16-54) from the floor and eight three-pointers. ODU finished the night at .391 (18-46) from the field, but no three-pointers. The Monarchs dominated the boards, 43-30.
Palmore led with nine rebounds, followed by Painter with eight, Nick Wright, Aaron Bacote and Dimitri Batten with six each.
In the earlier game of the Tournament, Anthony hubbard scored 17 points with 15 rebounds, and DeWayne Jackson added 15 points, five assists and seven boards tolead Morgan State to a 71-59 victory over US San Antonio. UTSA was led by Kannan Burrage with 18 points followed by 15 from Michael Hale,III.
Tomorrow will have UTSA playing Holy Cross at 5 p.m. followed by ODU and MorganState at 7:15 in the second round of the Liberty Tax Classic, presented by Athletesin Action.