The University of Dallas men's basketball team struggled in the first half against the Chapman University Panthers eventually losing 61-29. The Panthers outscored the Crusaders 36-3 in the first half due to their hot shooting from the floor and the free throw line. Chapman made nearly 47% of their field goals and converted 6 of their 7 free throws in the first half. Chapman (16-2) is currently ranked #14 in the Division 3 Men's Poll. Their 17-game winning streak which dated back to last season was snapped on December 9, 2009. The last time Chapman had lost before their winning streak began was to the Crusaders on January 24, 2009.
Senior guard Jim Norton (Louisville, KY/Holy Angels Academy) led the Crusaders in scoring with 13 points, making 5 of 11 field goals attempted. He also hit a 3-pointer and made both of his free throws.
No other Crusader managed more than 4 points. Senior guard Paul Streett (Novato, CA/Trinity Prep) and freshman guard Zach Latimore (Misawa, Japan/Robert D. Edgren H.S.) each scored 4 points. Senior guard Jeff Pritchard (Oak Grove, LA/Frisco H.S.) and senior forward Peter Popovich (St. Louis, MO/Gateway Academy) scored 3 points while senior forward Travis Ekmark (Yokosuka, Japan/Nile C. Kinnick H.S.) had 2 points.
The Crusaders look to end their weekend in the Independents Round Robin having won 2 of their 3 games. This is possible with a victory over the UC-Santa Cruz Banana Slugs. Today's contest against UC-Santa Cruz is at 1:00 pm (PST).
