CONWAY, Ark. - The Hendrix College men's basketball team opened the 2015-16 campaign with an 88-79 victory over the University of Dallas on Garrison Court at Grove Gymnasium Sunday afternoon.
The Warriors (1-0) shot 41.4 percent (12-of-29) in the first half and went 6-of-15 from three-point range, while the Crusaders (0-1) shot 35.7 percent (10-of-28) and 2-of-9 from outside in the opening period. Hendrix led 36-32 at the break.
The Orange & Black led the entire second half and expanded their lead to as much as 12 points several times in the half. Dallas would cut the deficit to 84-79 with 1:08 left. Hendrix would sink four free throws in the final minute to hold on to the win.
The Warriors were on fire in the second half, nailing 17-of-29 shots for a 58.6 percent rate. They were also 4-of-7 from three-point territory and 14-of-23 at the line. The Crusaders shot 13-of-29 (44.8 percent) from the floor in the second half and missed all eight three-point attempts, but they went 21-of-24 at the line.
For the game Hendrix shot 50 percent (29-of-58) overall, 45.5 percent (10-of-22) from outside and were 20-of-38 from the free throw line. Dallas shot 40.4 percent (23-of-57) from the field, 11.8 percent (2-of-17) for three, and 31-of-41 at the line. Dallas had a 42-34 advantage on the boards. The Warriors bench outscored UD's 48-25.
Freshman point guard
Preston Smith led the Warriors with 16 points and six rebounds. Freshman accounted for 42 of Hendrix' 88 points.
Hendrix Notes- Smith also had three assists and three steals.. He was 5-of-8 from the floor and 4-of-6 from three-point range.
- Junior guard
Aaron Steele came off the bench for a career-high 14 points with five assists and three steals.
- Freshman forward
Bryce Batchelor notched 11 points and 4-of-5 shooting and had two blocks.
- Senior guard
Jordan Barrett recorded nine points and four assists.
- Junior center
Gearen Littlefield had seven points and forward
John Ogle netted six.
- Freshmen
Maxwell Vrana scored eight points, as did junior
Travis Garrett.
Dallas Notes- Michael Sarrat led the Crusaders with 17 points and three assists.
- Lorenzo Gonzalez had 16 points and three assists.
- Toma Kaiser came up with 12 points, nine boards and two blocks.
- Prince Gladolor came off the bench for 11 points.
Up NextHendrix will open the SCAC-SAA Challenge in Shreveport, La. on Saturday against Austin College.
