The University of Dallas men's basketball team effortlessly defeated the Philander Smith College Panthers 84-69. The Crusaders offense was dominate today, in a display of true team basketball they tallied up 22 assists on 32 made field goals.

Traditionally the Crusaders have struggled to get rolling in the first half, but senior forward Travis Ekmark (Yokosuka, Japan/Nile C. Kinnick H.S.) started hot for UD scoring 10 points in the first 5 minutes of the game. When Ekmark went to the bench for a well earned rest, fellow seniors and guards Paul Streett (Novato, CA/Trinity Prep) and Jim Norton (Louisville, KY/Holy Angels Academy) picked up the pace offensively. Streett went 3-3 from behind the arc, scoring a total of 13 first half points, and Norton contributed 9 to the cause. At break, UD led 48-35, entering halftime with an impressive 52% shooting percentage.

In the second half, Dallas continued their hot shooting. Norton scored 12 more points, senior guard Jeff Pritchard (Oak Grove, LA/Frisco H.S.) had 8, as the Crusaders rolled to the victory. When it was all said and done, UD finished 50% from the field and 42% on threes. All in all, it was a total team effort.

Along with his 15 points, Ekmark had an impressive 13 rebounds, 5 assists, 4 steals, and a block. Playing in only his third game for UD, sophomore guard Barrett Brown (Phoenix, AZ/Mountain Pointe H.S.) managed 12 points in 15 minutes on the floor.

The Crusaders hope to continue their hot shooting next weekend when they travel to Riverside, CA to participate in the Independents Round Robin. UD faces La Sierra University at 2:30pm on Friday, January 22 in the tournament opener before taking on Chapman University and UC-Santa Cruz on Saturday and Sunday. Saturday's game starts at 6:00pm and Sunday's contest is at 1:00pm.