KERRVILLE, Texas - On Sunday afternoon, the University of Dallas men's basketball team (2-7) was defeated by the Schreiner University Mountaineers, 94-63. 

Dallas struggled early with breaking the full court press, and as a result the Mountaineers jumped out to a significant advantage, leading by as many as 23 points in the first half. 

The Crusaders were able to shave into this margin thanks in part to the strong play of senior guard/forward Noah Pettit (Fairfax, Cali./Sir Francis Drake), trailing Schreiner by 18 points at the break.

Pettit scored 13 of his game-high 27 points in the initial period. In his 32 minutes of play for the game, he sunk 7-of-12 from the field, including making 2-of-3 from behind the arc and 11-of-13 from the free throw line. 

When play resumed, Dallas tightened things up defensively, and were able to climb within 11 points of the Mountaineers at the 15:17 mark of the second half. This would be the closest the Crusaders would be in the latter period, however, as Schreiner pulled away to a 31 point victory thanks in part to an ensuing 22-7 run. 

Apart from Pettit, Dallas' Braeton Hightower (Sperry, Okla./Owasso H.S.) also reached double-digits in scoring, as the freshman guard poured in 12 points on 3-of-9 shooting from the field, making 2-of-3 three-pointers, and netting all four of his free throw attempts. 

Three newcomers for Dallas saw their first game experience as Crusaders. The in-season transfers include No. 13 Kyle McElvain, No. 23 Ross Davidson, and No. 30 Zach Matthews. In limited action, McElvain led this group with four points. 

Up next for the Crusaders will be a trip to Staten Island, N.Y., as they'll participate in the College of Staten Island's Tournament of Heroes two-day event, Dec. 28th and 29th. On Tuesday, Dec. 28th, Dallas will take on host school College of Staten Island at 6:30 p.m.