HPU Come From Behind to Defeat Dallas

November 12, 2023

IRVING, Texas - The University of Dallas men's basketball team lost their home opener 94-91 to Howard Payne University on Sunday.

Things were tight in the first half, but the Crusaders had the slight edge for much of the period.  Dallas won the defensive battle notching four blocks and six steals while only turning the ball over twice in the period.

Jack Boyle and Zac OImsted were the driving force behind the offense, as Boyle went 8-of-10 from the floor to lead all players with 16 points and Olmsted was a perfect 4-of-4 from three to tally 12 points in the first half.  The Crusaders led by as many as eight points and took a five-point lead into halftime.

Dallas came out on fire to start the second half, sinking five of their first six shots, four of which were three pointers to take a commanding 20-point lead not even five minutes into the period.  That soon became a 22-point lead, their biggest of the night, as the Crusaders looked to be firmly in the driver's seat.

But the Yellow Jackets came roaring back, outscoring the Crusaders 23-5 over the next five minutes to nearly erase the deficit at 71-67.  HPU took the lead soon after, and Dallas were left battling to get their grip back on the game.  Though they battled and twice pulled themselves within one point of the lead, the Yellow Jackets held on to complete the comeback and seal the win.

Boyle finished the game with 24 points and 10 rebounds for his first double-double of the year.  Olmsted was 6-of-8 from beyond the arc and 3-of-4 from the line to finish with 21 points, the most of his UD career.  Johny Olmsted also posted a career-high with 16 points on the night.

Up Next

The Crusaders are right back at it tomorrow night, Nov. 13 as they host Hendrix College at 7:30 pm.