While most of the University of Dallas community enjoyed a break relaxing with family and eating turkey, the UD men’s and women’s basketball teams battled some tough competition. The men’s team traveled through California to compete and the women had their last away game of the season against the Ozarks.
On Nov. 26, the lady Crusaders faced the University of the Ozarks. They played well but lost with a final score of 47-73. Then, on Nov. 30 the Crusaders went up against Concordia University at home. The game ended in a loss with a final score of 43-69.
The men’s games over break were part of the Chapman/Whittier Classic competition. On Nov. 29, UD beat Whittier with a final score of 85-71. On Nov. 30m the UD men faced Chapman University in Orange, CA. Junior Michael Wambsganss led the Crusaders, scoring 13 points, according to UD athletics. The game ended in a loss for UD with a score of 39-59, the first defeat that the men’s team has suffered this season.
“We were resilient through injury and I’m proud of the way we battled back,” said freshman Jacob Giunta.
“Our entire team played well on Friday night,” said men’s head coach Jarred Samples. “We had 3 starters leave the game due to injuries in the first half and could not return to the game. The guys on the bench really stepped up to help us get the win against Whittier. Our teamed showed our toughness and depth.”
“We learned a lot about our team and the tough mentality we have. Still a lot of work to do,” said junior Dustin Mathis.
Samples was optimistic looking forward to the rest of the season.
“Even though we dropped our second game against Chapman, I thought the trip went well for us. It’s always tough to play on the road. I thought our group took some steps forward and also learned what we need to improve on for us to be successful,” said Samples.
Up next, the men’s team will play Hendrix College on Saturday, Dec. 7 and the lady Crusaders will play Dallas Christian College on Friday, Dec. 6.
