IRVING, Texas - The Hendrix College men's basketball team fell behind early and never recovered, dropping their non-conference contest to the University of Dallas Crusaders 73-56 on Monday night in Irving.

Luke Vance led the Warriors in scoring and rebounding on the evening, dropping 12 points while snagging eight rebounds. Five of the senior's rebounds came on the offensive glass. Hank Aldous added 10 points while Alec Conard and Jordan Barrett each chipped in with seven points off the bench.

Kym Malone and Mark Promberger led the Dallas offense, scoring 15 points and 14 points respectively. Lorenzo Gonzalez added 11 points coming off the bench for the Crusaders.

Hendrix struggled to take care of the ball on Monday, committing 18 turnovers while dishing out only four assists. The Crusaders took an early 6-0 lead and did not allow the Warriors to score until 6:27 into the contest when Travis Garrett put the team on the board with a three. Midway through the half Hendrix drew within two points after a Conard three, cutting the Dallas lead to 12-10, but the Crusaders pulled away from that point, taking a 35-21 advantage into the locker room at halftime.

In the second half, the Warriors did their best to cut into the Dallas lead. The two teams traded buckets on the opening possessions of the frame, and Luke Vance completed a three-point play to cut into the Crusaders' advantage. Gabe Gumm hit a jumper, followed by a pair of free throws from Conard to bring the Orange and Black within single-digits with just under 15 minutes to play. 

Hendrix could not draw any closer as the Crusaders took off on a 24-12 run to extend their lead, quashing the Warriors' comeback attempt. 

The Crusaders improve to 9-2 on the season and will take on Schriener University on Friday, Jan. 9.

Hendrix falls to 5-6 on the season and will return to action on Friday, Jan. 9 when they travel to Georgia to take on Southern Athletic Association rival Berry College.