Centenary Win Close Game After 4th Quarter Comeback

IRVING, Texas. - The University of Dallas women's basketball team lost their conference opener to Centneary 62-59 on Wednesday night.

As the score suggests, it was an even game from start to finish.  Though the Ladies took what was then the largest lead of the game at 13-7 with a minute left in the first quarter, Dallas came back to tie 27-27 at the half.  They held Centenary to just 5016 from the field and 0-7 from three.

The Crusaders were at their best offensively in the third quarter, going 5-11 from the field and 10-15 from the line, taking a nine point lead with four minutes left in the period.  But the Ladies outscored Dallas 16-6 the rest of the way to bring themselves back to within two going into the fourth quarter.  The Crusaders grip on the game continued to slip as the struggled to score in the fourth.  It wasn't for lack of trying, as they let 23 shots fly, including 10 three pointers.  They would make just five of those shots, without once going to the foul line.  The Ladies also only made five baskets in the period, but two three-pointers and going 4-9 from the free throw line would be all they needed to complete the comeback and hand the Crusaders their first defeat of conference play.

Canai McPherson led all players with 27 points on the night, going 9-26 from the field and 6-10 from the line.  She is currently averaging 22.4 PPG for the Crusaders this year. Adryan Alvarez provided 12 points and three rebounds off the bench in 23 minutes on the court, and Imani Hardin posted a season-high 18 rebounds.

Up Next

The Crusaders will face Centenary on the road next for a conference rematch.  Tip-off is set for 7:30 p.m. on Dec. 17 in Shreveport, La.