Women's Basketball Pulls Away in 4th Quarter to Beat Austin
January 6, 2024
IRVING, Texas - The University of Dallas men's basketball won their conference game against Austin College 91-75 on Saturday, improving to 10-6 overall on the year and 4-3 in conference play.
Dallas struggled to score from the field in the first two quarters, but it certainly wasn't for lack of trying or opportunities. They started the game scoring just two of their first 10 field goal attempts, keeping the game close by drawing shooting fouls in the paint.
That would continue to be a theme for Dallas throughout the first half. The Crusaders struggled mightily from beyond the arc, shooting just 18.8% on 16 attempts from three. They were far more efficient inside, shooting 42% from two-point range. Though they finished the first half shooting 28.6% from the field to Austin's 41.2%, the Crusaders took a one-point lead into halftime thanks to the massive gap in free throws: Dallas was 10-of-16 from the line, while Austin was 0-for-1.
The Crusaders went with what was working in the second half, driving at the basket with great regularity. They nearly abandoned the three-pointer altogether, taking just four shots from beyond the arc the entire second half. As a result, they shot 39.3% from the field in the second half and played smothering defense as they gradually pulled away from the 'Roos.
Dallas had three players with double-digit points: Tessa Hastings (11), Caroline Croft (11), and Alyssa Sullivan (12 - pictured). Hastings was a nuisance in the paint, leading all players with seven drawn fouls and went 6-of-8 from the free throw line.
Croft was one rebound from a double-double and led all players with four assists. Sullivan led the team with 12 points and was one of two Crusaders to shoot at least 40% on the night, going 6-of-9 from the field. Imani Hardin was the other, going 3-of-7 from the field with six points and eight rebounds.
Up Next
The Crusaders will host Colorado College on Sunday, Jan. 14th at 3:00 pm