Boyle Becomes Career Rebound Leader as Crusaders Outlast St. Thomas

January 19, 2024

HOUSTON, Texas - The University of Dallas men's basketball team won their conference game against the University of St. Thomas 86-85 on Friday, improving to 7-10 overall on the year and 4-5 in conference play.

The Celts had the edge early on, leading by as many as six points in the first three minutes of play.  Dallas tied it up at 13-13, then two sides traded blows over the next four and a half minutes until St. Thomas took a 23-21 lead with just under 11 minutes left in the period.

That was the final lead change of the first half, but the Crusaders kept themselves well within reach as they trailed by six points going into halftime.  Despite trailing at the half, Dallas was shooting quite well, going 17-of-34 (50%) from the field and 3-of-9 (33.3%) from beyond the arc.

It was truly anybody's game in the second half.  It didn't take long for the Crusaders to erase the deficit, taking a 52-51 lead less than four minutes into the period.  It was a back and forth battle nearly the rest of the game, as the lead changed hands another 12 times in the second half.  

Zac Olmsted gave Dallas the lead for good with just under two minutes remaining with a three-pointer to make it a 86-84 game.  The Celts had the chance to tie the game up from the free throw line, but missed their second shot with eight seconds on the clock.  They still managed to get the ball back and had a last-gasp effort from half court, but missed as Dallas held on for the win.

The Crusaders had five players with double-digit points on the night: Jamal Leftwich (10), Johny Olmsted (10), Zac Olmsted (11), Jack Boyle (20), and Marcus Juarez (21).

Juarez led the Crusaders with his season-high 21 points, scoring 20+ for the fifth time in his career while matching a career-best with eight field goals made (8-of-15 FG, 3-of-5 3PT).

Though he was one board away from a double-double, Boyle (pictured) still had a record-setting performance with 20 points and nine rebounds.  His nine rebounds on the night make him UD's career leader with 782 and counting, surpassing the previous record of 779 held by UD Hall of Famer Brandon Hartsell (Class of 2020).

Up Next

The Crusaders will face Centenary College on the road tomorrow, Saturday, Jan. 20 at 4:00 pm.