Second Half Surge Pushes Dallas Past 'Roos

IRVING, Texas - The Austin College men's basketball team took a 35-22 lead into halftime, but the University of Dallas opened the second half with a big run and ultimately overcame the 'Roos by a final score of 57-55 on Tuesday evening.

The Crusaders came out of halftime and went on a 17-4 run to square things up at 39 apiece, and after the 'Roos responded with seven straight to take a 46-39 lead midway through the second half, Dallas pulled within one at 46-45 with 9:06 left to play. Austin College maintained a slim lead heading into the final minutes, but the Crusaders tied the game at 53 with 2:50 left and would take the lead for good at 56-55 on another triple with 1:47 left to play. Austin College was held scoreless over the final two minutes of action.

The 'Roos shot 42.6% from the field in the game while limiting the Crusaders to 31.1% shooting, but Dallas used a 13-5 advantage in made free throws and 12 offensive rebounds to narrow the gap. Dallas also had an 18-5 edge in bench points in the game. 

Joshua Joe had a career-high 28 points to pace the 'Roos, making 12-of-23 shots including 3-of-6 from long range. He added five rebounds, four assists, and two steals in the loss. Jason Jones Jr. was the only other 'Roo to hit double figures in the scoring column, finishing with 11 points and seven boards. Louis Christifano came off the bench to lead Dallas with 12 points, hitting 4-of-6 from beyond the arc.