The Crusaders trailed 44-40 at halftime after the Lobos shot 54 per cent from the field in the first half and hit 42 per cent from three-point range. UMHB shot 49 per cent from the field and 50 per cent from beyond the arc in the first half. The Crusaders then opened the second half on a hot streak and tied the game at 46 before pushing their lead to as many as nine points. UMHB then kept the Lobos at bay the rest of the way to post the victory.
Brandon Gatlin and Michael Blaylock led UMHB with 17 points apiece and Justin Hejl added 16 points and 10 rebounds. Jimmy Smith came off the bench to add 12 points and eight boards for the Crusaders. Larry Morales led five Sul Ross players in double figures with 14 points. Sidney Hooper added 13, Chris Packer and Derric Workman had 12 points apiece and Justin Steward scored 10.
The Crusaders will finally get a chance to play an extended stretch of games at home next week after playing seven of their last eight on the road. UMHB will host Howard Payne in a 7:30 PM start on Thursday before the Lobos come to Mabee Gym for a 3:00 PM tip-off on Saturday. That will open a stretch of five straight home games for the UMHB men.