STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. - The University of Dallas men's basketball team (2-8) was defeated 80-57 by the College of Staten Island (CSI) during CSI's Tournament of Heroes on Tuesday evening.

The Dolphins jumped out to an early 15-0 advantage, capitalizing on the Crusaders' early shooting woes -- Dallas shot 27.6-percent from the field in the first half.

At the 14:03 mark of the first half, Kyle McElvain (Arlington, Texas/Pantego Christian Academy) got the Crusaders on the board, nailing a three pointer, off a Jonathan Goodwin (Cedar Park, Texas/Cedar Park H.S.) assist. McElvain finished with seven points in 17 minutes of action. 

Dallas' biggest first half deficit would come at the end of the period, as they trailed CSI, 43-21, at the break. 

Braeton Hightower (Sperry, Okla./Owasso H.S.) was a bright spot for the Crusaders on the night, as the freshman guard recorded a game-high 22 points. Hightower accomplished this feat on 7-of-15 shooting from the field, including netting 1-of-4 three-pointers attempted, and finishing a perfect 7-of-7 from the free throw line. 

The Crusaders turned things around offensively in the second half, shooting 42.9 percent from the field.  From behind the arc, they posted a shooting average of 37.5 percent -- approximately 22 percent greater than that of the first half. 

Dallas couldn't contain CSI, however, as the Dolphins saw their lead grow to a game-high 29 points, with 5:45 remaining, thanks in part to hitting 5-of-7 three-pointers attempted in the final period. 

Dallas looks to get back on the winning track on Wednesday, as they wrap up play in CSI's Tournament of Heroes against Richard Stockton College at 5:30 p.m. EST/4:30 p.m. CST.