The Austin College men's basketball team clawed its way back from a 22 point first half deficit, but was unable to complete its comeback bid in a 73-70 loss to St. Joseph's (Brooklyn) on Saturday afternoon in Irving. The 'Roos are now 2-1 this season with the loss.
The 'Roos came out ice cold in the first half, shooting just 21.6% from the field and 4-of-18 on three pointers on their way to finding themselves trailing 43-21 at halftime. However, the 'Roos turned up the defensive pressure, forcing 14 second half turnovers, and Ransom Okpala took over offensively with 20 second half points to help pull Austin College within one at 71-70 with eight seconds to go.
However, St. Joseph's knocked down a pair of free throws, and Okpala's last second three point attempt was no good, giving the team its first defeat of the season. Okpala finished with 25 points on 10-of-21 shooting, hitting 5-of-12 three pointers, and added three steals to lead the 'Roos.
Alan Sullivan had 13 points and seven boards off the bench as the only other Austin College player to reach double figures in the scoring column. Brian Baehl had nine points and Jeremy Swisher added eight and eight rebounds in the loss.
The 'Roos will be looking to rebound on Tuesday when they host the University of Texas-Dallas at 6:00 p.m. in Hughey Gym.