Crusaders Win Season Opener vs Rhodes

MEMPHIS, Tenn. - The University of Dallas men's basketball team won their season opener against Rhodes College this evening by a final score of 82-73.

The Crusaders were in the driver's seat for much of the first half, taking a 10 point lead after the first 10 minutes.  But the Lynx found their stride late in the half, hitting a 10-2 run in the final three minutes to take a 35-34 lead into halftime.  Though the Crusaders let their lead slip in the sing minutes, they likely felt they were the better side to that point, having lead for 15 of the first 20 minutes.

It was anyone's game for much of the second half, with Rhodes doing just well enough to nurse their lead with less than eight minutes to play.  Marcus Juarez hit a three pointer with 7:10 on the clock to take a 58-56 lead, Jefferson Walker tied it up on the next possession with a layup, then Louis Christifano Jr. gave UD the lead for good with a three pointer to go ahead 61-58.  Rhodes kept themselves within one possession all the way to the last three minutes, but the Crusaders built their cushion going 8-8 from the free throw line in the last two minutes, and a dagger three by Christifano Jr. with a minute left put the game out of reach for Rhodes.  

Double-doubles by Cameran Hyde (12 PTS, 10 REB) and Jack Boyle (12 PTS, 11 REB) helped propel to Crusaders to their win, as well as a team leading 20 points by Christifano Jr. and 16 points by Marcus Juarez.  Letrell Toussaint added 12 points, going 8-9 from the free throw line in an excellent team perfrormance from the line for the Crusaders.  In the end, the game was decided from the free throw line with the Crusaders going 24-28 while the Lynx were 10-14 on the night.

Not only do the Crusaders get the win in their season opener, but head coach Matt Grahn gets the win in his first competitive match as UD's head coach.

Up Next

The Crusaders are right back at it tomorrow as their road trip weekend continues.  They will face Hendrix tomorrow at 3:00 p.m.