Howard Payne University tops Men's Basketball, 72-67; Crusaders notch 1-1 record as host-team of "Tip-Off Classic"

IRVING, Texas - The University of Dallas men's basketball team (1-2) was unable to get past Howard Payne University on Saturday afternoon at the "Tip-Off Classic," as the Yellow Jackets prevailed 72-67 behind 20-points from Brandon Irwin at the Maher Athletic Center.

Poor first-half shooting (33 percent) led to an eight-point, 34-26 deficit at halftime for the Crusaders, which they were unable to overcome despite much improved offensive production in the second-half (59.3 percent) in which they outscored Howard Payne (3-0) by three points. 

Howard Payne was able to build and maintain their lead with strong rebounding as they dominated the boards with a 34 to 26 rebounding advantage. 

Defensively, the Crusaders were led by freshman Aaron Wyatt (Frisco, Texas/Prestonwood Christian Academy), who blocked four shots and collected three steals in 22-minutes of game action. However, Wyatt also committed three-fouls which, along with the fouls committed by the rest of his Crusader teammates (17 total fouls) led to 20-points off free-throws for Howard Payne. 

Howard Payne's effective shooting from the free-throw line (20-of-23) was ultimately the difference in the game.

Offensively for the Crusaders, Braeton Hightower (Owasso, Okla./Owasso H.S.) continued to shoot the ball confidently, going 7-of-10 and leading the Crusaders with 17 points. However, Hightower missed three freebies from the charity-stripe which would have helped close the gap on the Yellow Jackets. 

The slow start doomed the Crusaders, who were never able to catch-up after falling down 17-3 at the 10:26-mark of the first half. 

Coming within a single-point twice in the second half, the Crusaders were staved-off by effective free-throw shooting (20-of-23) by Howard Payne, who won 72-67.

Next opponent: 

Dallas will take to the hardwood on Tuesday, Nov. 22, in a 7 p.m. road-game versus Arlington Baptist College in Arlington, Texas.