Johnson’s 7 steals spark Canisius past Holy Cross, 80-72

Dec 14, 2019, 10:36 pm

BUFFALO, N.Y. -- Malik Johnson scored 20 points, dished seven assists and collected seven steals as Canisius returned to action after a week off for final exams to beat long-time rival Holy Cross 80-72 on Saturday afternoon.

The schools now have faced each other 21 times in a series that began in 1947 and has been conducted in six different buildings including Boston Garden and the Niagara Falls Convention Center.

Johnson came into the game averaging 2.4 steals per game and ranked 31st nationally for thefts. The game marked the 43rd time in his career that he had more than one steal in a contest.

Jalanni White had 16 points and Armon Harried 11 for the Golden Griffins (5-4).

Drew Louder had 18 points off the bench to lead the Crusaders (1-10). Joe Pridgen added 16 points and Connor Niego and Austin Butler each contributed 11.