McPherson Leads Crusaders in Wild Win Over Millsaps

IRVING, Texas. - The University of Dallas women's basketball team won their non-conference matchup with Millsaps 60-47 this evening.  They will go into conference play with a 2-5 overall record.

Both teams struggled mightily in the first half, but particularly in the first quarter.  The two teams combined for just five made field goals in the first quarter, the score tied at 7-7 after 10 minutes.  Dallas fared a bit better in the second quarter while Millsaps continued to struggle.  The Crusaders had a narrow six point lead going into halftime after going 6-16 in the second quarter; both teams combined for just 14 made baskets cross the first 20 minutes of play.

While things certainly improved overall in the second half, the game rapidly descended into chaos as the officials began to exert their influence on the game.  Of the games 35 total fouls, a whopping 26 of them were called in the second half.  Included in that tally was an astounding six technical fouls, five of them called in the second half and all but one of them being charged to Millsaps.  The late fouls derailed what was otherwise a very real chance at a comeback; Dallas led by as many as 15 points in the third quarter, but the Majors brought it all the wya back to within two with five minutes left in the game.  In the end, the Crusaders nearly matched their biggest lead of the game, defeating the Majors by 13 points.

Alyssa Sullivan quietly scored a season-best 16 points, going 7-10 from the field.  Canai McPherson led the team with 26 points, her fifth game of the season with 20+ and her fourth game with at least 25 points.

Up Next

The Crusaders start conference play next Wednesday against Centenary.  They will host at 7:30 p.m. on Dec. 8.