'Roos Fall Short at Dallas

IRVING, Texas - The Austin College men's basketball team trailed by as many as 16 points before battling back in the first Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference game of the year, but the 'Roos were unable to come away with the win in a 65-62 defeat at the University of Dallas on Friday evening. The 'Roos are now 4-3 overall and 0-1 in conference play.

Kidus Getenet scored 21 for the 'Roos on 9-of-16 shooting and Ocie Berry added 14 points, five rebounds, and two blocks, while Jamien June chipped in 12 points for Austin College. Ethan Pearce had 12 rebounds and four assists in the loss. Dallas hit 13-of-25 shots compared to 11-of-29 for the 'Roos in the first half to open up a 33-26 lead, and the Crusaders took a 46-30 lead three minutes into the second half.

Austin College came battling back and pulled to within six at 52-46 on a three from Berry with 9:52 left, and Getenet cut it to 56-53 with 4:38 remaining. Dallas pushed it back to a six point game at 59-53 with 3:08 left, but Getenet scored in the paint and Berry knocked down another triple to make it 59-58 with 1:11 on the clock. Austin College trailed by just two following a Price Bradley layup with six seconds left, making it a 64-62 game, but the Crusaders held off the 'Roos in the final seconds of action. Jack Boyle had 16 points, 19 rebounds, and 10 assists to lead the Crusaders.

The 'Roos will be back in action on Saturday evening as they host Howard Payne University at 6:00 p.m. in Hughey Gym.