AUSTIN, TX – The Cougars were a mere position away from pulling off a nationally ranked win.
Colorado Christian nearly foiled Dallas Baptist at the RMAC/Heartland Conference challenge but the 21st ranked Patriots notched an 86-85 win on Saturday afternoon.
HOW IT HAPPENED: The game's nip-and-tuck atmosphere was set in the first half as there were seven lead changes in the opening 20 minutes. Colorado Christian took their largest lead of the game when a Stefan Hackethal three-pointer with 12:22 left until halftime gave the Cougars an 18-11 edge.
Dallas Baptist chipped away at their deficit before taking a one-point (24-23) lead just under four minutes later. Neither team held an advantage bigger than four points before halftime as the Patriots (1-1) went into the locker room ahead 38-37.
As the second frame opened, the Patriots took the momentum as they went ahead eight points on three occasions during the early moments of the period. Despite trailing by multiple possessions the gritty Cougars battled back and found themselves down just 75-73 with 2:35 remaining. Dallas Baptist built their lead back to a big as six points but couldn't shake the Cougars comeback attempt.
Down the stretch the Patriots went to the foul line 10 times and were able to salt away the game just enough by making eight of those attempts. On the Cougars final possession Jeremiah Hanson hit a three-pointer at the buzzer.
COUGAR LEADERS: Justin Engesser scored a game high 24 points on the strength of a 9-for-12 effort from the field. He made all but two of his five three-point attempts. Collin Huun and Christian Hyatt were great off the bench as they scored 18 and 15 points respectively.
INSIDE THE BOXSCORE
- Colorado Christian was strong from the field as they hit 54.1 percent (33-for-61) of their shots
- The Cougars held a 41-27 edge in bench points thanks in large part to the efforts of Huun and Hyatt
- Dallas Baptist's defense played a key role as they forced 14 turnovers which translated into a 21-7 advantage in points off turnovers
UP NEXT: The Cougars continue their four-game road swing to start the season when they travel to Western Oregon for a pair of games. The weekend begins with a Friday evening contest against NAIA foe Warner Pacific.
