Women's Basketball Drops Tight Game with HPU in Season Opener

November 9, 2023

BROWNWOOD, Texas - The University of Dallas women's basketball team opened their season with a 52-55 loss on the road to Howard Payne University on Thursday night.

The Crusaders got off to a slow start, going oh for their first seven shots as HPU jumped out to a 13-2 lead.  Trailing 18-8 going into the second quarter, Dallas bounced back with a massive defensive effort, holding the Yellow Jackets to just two points in the period to go into halftime with a 22-20 lead.

Play was much more balanced in the second half, with the Crusaders maintaining their slight edge on the back of 47% shooting in the third quarter to go into the final period with a 39-35 lead.  

HPU erased the deficit quickly, taking a 42-39 lead 90 seconds into the fourth quarter.  From there it was anyone's game, with two more lead changes before the game was all tied at 52-52 with just over a minute left to play.

The Crusaders created the chances they needed, but couldn't put any of them away in the dying seconds as HPU edged in front with a layup and a free throw to seal the win.

Both teams struggled from beyond the arc; HPU were 2-of-17 while Dallas was 1-of-18 from three.

Caroline Croft led the Crusaders with 16 points, going 6-of-12 from the field and 4-of-6 from the line while also snagging nine rebounds.  

Up Next

The Crusaders will host Hendrix College for their home opener this Monday, Nov. 13 at 5:30 pm.