SYLVANIA, Ohio (LourdesAthletics.com) – The Lourdes University men's basketball team opened Wolverine-Hoosier Athletic Conference (WHAC) play with a thrilling 86-83 victory over Madonna University on Wednesday evening at the Russell J. Ebeid Recreation Center.

The Gray Wolves (5-0, 1-0 WHAC) were led by senior Shaunn Monroe, who delivered a standout performance, scoring 31 points on 9-of-17 shooting from the field and 3-of-5 from beyond the arc. Monroe also contributed 10-of-13 from the free-throw line, helping the Gray Wolves to a successful night at the charity stripe, where they finished 17-of-24 (70%).

Lourdes trailed by one at halftime, 41-40. The Gray Wolves responded with a strong second-half performance, building a lead before Madonna mounted a late rally. The Crusaders narrowed the gap to just two points in the final minutes, but Lourdes executed crucial free throws and clutch plays down the stretch to secure the win.

Derrell Jones added 18 points and six rebounds in 25 minutes of action, while Adonus Abrams contributed nine points and three rebounds. Derek Fairley chipped in seven points and four assists, and Devyn Jones added six points, including a pair of three-pointers.

As a team, Lourdes shot 48-percent (31-of-64) from the field but struggled from beyond the arc, hitting just 7-of-23 (30%). Defensively, the Gray Wolves grabbed 28 rebounds, forced eight steals, and blocked three shots.

Up Next
The men's basketball team will return to action on Saturday, November 23, traveling to Defiance College. The Gray Wolves will tip off at 3 p.m., with the women's team playing beforehand at 1 p.m.