Both teams struggled with their shooting in the first half with UMHB hitting just 39 per cent and Sul Ross State only connecting on 38 per cent. The Lobos built a three-point lead at the break after leading by as many as nine points in the first half. The Crusaders pulled back to within three points at 42-39 with 17:35 remaining in the second half, but the Lobos promptly went on a 16-3 run to take control of the game. Sul Ross would lead by as many as 22 points before a late UMHB rally closed the gap.
Brandon Gatlin led UMHB with 18 points and Michael Blaylock added 13 for the Crusaders. Jimmy Carter had eight points and a game-high nine rebounds for UMHB as 11 different players scored. Sidney Hooper led Sul Ross State with 24 points and Rick Herrera added 16 more for the Lobos. Justin Steward also reached double figures with 10 points for Sul Ross. The Lobos out rebounded UMHB 56-52 and forced 19 turnovers. The Crusaders shot just 37 per cent from the field and only hit 6-25 from three-point range. Sul Ross State shot 40 per cent from the floor and went 11-28 from beyond the arc in the victory.
The Crusaders will get a shot at revenge next week in Belton. The UMHB men will return home to host Howard Payne for a 7:30 PM tip-off on Thursday before welcoming Sul Ross State to town for a 3:00 PM start on Saturday. Both of those games are scheduled to be played in the brand new Mayborn Campus Center at UMHB.