HOUSTON – The Celts of the University of St. Thomas overcame a last-minute change of venue and a late surge by the University of Dallas on Friday to claim a 95-94 win over the visiting Crusaders.
UST's Joshua Sanchez (McAllen, Texas / McAllen Memorial) scored 23 points on 10-of-10 shooting from the field, none bigger than his game-tying layup with six seconds remaining in regulation. Kennard Robinson (Houston, Texas / Sam Houston MSTC) added 22 points and six assists as the Celts improved their program-best record to 22-2.
The matchup between the Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference's two Catholic schools was moved to Houston Baptist University's Sharp Gymnasium after backboard at UST's Jerabeck Center was shattered in pregame warmups. The backboard was replaced and UST's final home doubleheader scheduled for Sunday, Feb. 23 will be played at Jerabeck.
In Friday's win, the Celts (15-2 SCAC) led by as many 12 points early in second half before UDallas fought its way back into the game. The Crusaders scored 53 points in the second half and shot 64 percent (7 of 11) from 3-point range during the period.
A 3-pointer by UDallas' Cameran Hyde – one of four he hit on five attempts in the game – stretched the Crusaders' lead to 89-85 with 1:51 remaining in regulation. The teams traded missed baskets before Robinson was fouled with 53 seconds showing on the clock; he calmly sank both free throws to cut the visitors' lead to two points.
UST then forced a Crusader turnover, giving the Celts a chance to tie. Robinson was fouled again and sank two more free throws to tie the game at 89-89 with 29 seconds left to play. UD's Jai Love was then fouled 10 seconds later and made two free throws before Sanchez hit a layup off a Robinson pass with six seconds left in regulation.
Neither team shot the ball well in overtime as the Celts won the period 4-3. Robinson's jumper in the paint with 1:38 remaining was the last basket of the overtime frame. The Crusaders missed their last five shots despite getting three offensive rebounds during the final two minutes.
Freddie Ricks III (Cypress, Texas / Cypress Springs) scored 13 points for the Celts. Nathan Thormaehlen (Katy, Texas / Katy) chipped in 12 points, eight rebounds and four blocked shots for the Celts.
Hyde and Dustin Mathis scored 19 points apiece for UDallas (12-12, 8-9 SCAC).
With a two-and-a-half game lead over second-place Centenary in the SCAC standings, the Celts claimed the regular-season SCAC championship. SCAC Commissioner Dwayne Hanberry will present the championship trophy to the Celts following Sunday's regular-season finale against Austin College.
The Celts tip off with Austin College on Sunday at noon at the Jerabeck Center.
