Crusaders Go Toe-To-Toe with Abilene Christian

ABILENE, Texas. - The University of Dallas men's basketball program lost their non-conference matchup with Division I opponent Abilene Christian 110-63 this evening.  They will wrap up pre-season play with a record of 2-5.

After sluggish starts in their last two games against Division III opponents, the Crusaders were sure to not repeat themselves against the formidable Wildcats.  One would have forgiven Dallas tonight for falling behind by double-digits in the first five minutes as they had in their previous two games, but the Crusaders dug their heels in and made the Wildcats earn it.  They trailed by just eight points nearly halfway through the first period, and were just 10 points off the lead with four minutes left in the half.  A stifling ACU defense that leads the nation in forced turnovers lived up to the billing as the Crusaders had 11 turnovers in the first half alone, but they were able to mke a game of it by going 5-10 from beyond the arc in the first half.

As both teams rotated the bench in and out of the game, Abilene Christian took a predictable grasp on the game in the second half.  Chnces were few and far between for Dallas as they tried to break down one of the best defenses in the country, as they were limited to 7-25 from the field.  All but one Crusader was able to get on the scoresheet tonight as ACU rode out the win on their home court.

Up Next

Conference play is up next for the Crusaders.  They will host Centenary on Dec. 8 at 5:30 p.m.