Crusaders Take Down McMurry

November 15, 2023

IRVING, Texas - The University of Dallas women's basketball team defeated McMurry University 80-64 on Wednesday, improving to 2-1 on the season.

The two sides were locked in a stalemate for much of the first half, but the Crusaders maintained a narrow edge over the Warriors.  Dallas was aggressive out of the gate, attacking the rim hard and forcing McMurry's big post players to close the lane, drawing lots of contact and trips to the free throw line as a result.

Though the Warhawks shot an excellent 56% from the field in the first quarter, Dallas led going into the second quarter by going 10-of-12 from the free throw line in the first 10 minutes.  The second quarter was fought to a draw as neither team shot particularly well, and Dallas took a 39-34 lead into halftime.

The Crusaders began to distance themselves in the third quarter, thanks in no small part to an offensive outburst by Tessa Hastings (pictured).  The sophomore forward dropped 14 points in the period, going 6-of-11 from the floor to propel her team to a 22-point advantage going into the fourth quarter.

McMurry chipped away at the deficit in the fourth quarter, but it was too little, too late as the Crusaders held on for the comfortable win.

Hastings finished the game going 9-of-16 from the floor for 22 points, the second best mark of her career for a single game.

Dallas dominated the boards, out-rebounding the Warhawks 56-44 thanks to Jordan Gillespie, who snagged nine, and Imani Hardin, who led all players with 10.  Gillespie was on the cusp of a triple-double, finishing the night with nine rebounds, eight assists, and eight points.

Up Next

The Crusaders will travel to Jackson, Mississippi this weekend to play in the Millsaps Classic.  They will face Belhaven on Saturday, Nov. 18 at 12:00 pm.