IRVING, Texas – The Celts of the University of St. Thomas opened Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference play Friday with a 79-74 win at the University of Dallas.

Kennard Robinson (Houston, Texas / Sam Houston MSTC) scored 25 points – including 16 in the second half – to lead the Celts. Robinson shot 8-of-12 from the field and sank nine out of his 10 free throw attempts; he also handed out four assists.

Joshua Sanchez (McAllen, Texas / McAllen Memorial HS) scored 14 points, while Freddie Ricks III (Cypress, Texas / Cypress Springs HS) came off the bench to score 13 points.

With the win, the Celts remained undefeated with a 7-0 record. It was the second game in two days for the Celts, who played an exhibition contest at NCAA Division I Rice on Thursday.

The Celts led 42-32 at halftime, then held off comeback attempts by UDallas (4-3, 0-1 SCAC) in the second half. UST used a 7-0 run between the 9:32 and 7:20 marks of the half to reclaim a 58-52 lead, with Cameron Gims (Cypress, Texas / Cy-Fair HS) capping the run with a slam dunk, two of his nine points.

UDallas again trimmed the Celts' lead to a single point in the final two minutes, but the Celts rebuilt their lead with a pair of free throws by Robinson with 59 seconds remaining. After a Dallas turnover, Robinson went to the free throw line again, making one of his two shots, to push UST's lead to 76-72 with 28 seconds left.

The Crusaders came up empty on their next possession, and the Celts sealed the game at the free throw line.

UST shot 54.5 percent (30 of 55) from the floor, while Dallas shot 39 percent (24 of 61).

The Celts conclude the weekend Saturday when they visit Austin College. Tipoff is scheduled for 4 p.m.