Schreiner scored the game’s opening points but would never lead again as UMHB stretched the lead to as many as eight points in the first half before settling for a 39-34 halftime lead. The Crusaders would take their largest lead of the game at 65-55 with 8:19 left to play before Schreiner went on a 15-5 run to tie the game at 70 with 2:25 remaining. Justin Hejl then converted two free throws to put UMHB up 72-70 with 1:57 left. Justin Schwartz hit a basket with 32 seconds left to tie the game again before Wiese pulled down an offensive rebound and put it back in as time expired to give the Crusaders the victory. Both teams shot 47 per cent from the field, but UMHB was 7-16 from three-point range while the Mountaineers hit just 4-13 from beyond the arc.
Justin Hejl led UMHB with 22 points and 15 rebounds and Michael Blaylock came off the bench to score 16 for the Crusaders. Brandon Gatlin had 14 points and six assists for UMHB and Jimmy Smith and Wiese scored 10 points apiece. Jarel Hall led Schreiner with 20 points and Schwartz had 19 points and 13 rebounds.
The Crusaders will finally return home this weekend after playing their last five games on the road. UMHB will host Texas Lutheran in a 3:00 PM tip-off at Mabee Gym on Saturday.