Crusaders Drop Conference Opener to TLU

IRVING, Texas - The University of Dallas men's basketball team lost their conference opener to Texas Lutheran University 73-66 on Friday.  They are now 2-4 on the year and still searching for their first win at home.

The Crusaders came out of the gates hot once again, going eight for their first 10 shots from the field to take an 18-7 lead after seven minutes.  In the same span, the Bulldogs were struggling to finish.  Though they were creating the chances and had the opportunity to close the gap on a couple of turnovers by UD, they were just 3-10 from the field.

Things began to balance out as Dallas surely couldn't keep shooting at an 80% clip and TLU began to sink some shots.  it was all square at 19-19 after 12 minutes and anyone's ballgame from there.  Letrell Toussaint had the last say in the first half, putting the Crusaders up 35-33 at halftime with a second-chance layup.

In second half, the Bulldogs were the ones who came out firing with an 11 point burst, going 5-6 from the field in three and a half minutes to take a 44-40 lead.  The two sides traded the lead a couple of times until TLU went up 49-46 for what would ultimately be the final lead change of the game.  

The Bulldogs lead by as many as 12 points as they shot at a blistering pace from beyond the arc, but ther Crusaders fought their way back and were well within reach of the lead inside the final minute of the game.  Unfortunately, Dallas couldn't get a field goal to fall inside that last minute, as the Bulldogs held on for the win.

Jack Boyle lead all players with 29 points and 12 rebounds, recording his fifth double-double of the season.  He shared the rebound lead with Letrell Toussaint, who also notched 13 points and two blocks on the night.  

Up Next

The conference weekend continues on Saturday, as the Crusaders host Southwestern University.  Tip-off is scheduled for 6:00 p.m.