Men's Basketball took down UT Dallas on Saturday night in a tightly-contested matchup that came down to the final buzzer. In a game that featured 18 ties and 12 lead changes, the Celts held on at the buzzer for a 70-67 win over the Comets to improve to 3-1 on the season.
From the opening tip, neither team could pull away significantly. The Celts fell behind 8-4 early before two baskets from Wesley Hooker and one from Nick Anderson put them back in front 10-8. Both teams continued trading baskets and playing strong defense throughout the first half. Marion Williams banked in a three-pointer to tie the game at 26 with just over four minutes remaining in the first half, but the Celts would manage only one more field goal before the break. UTD led at halftime 33-28, matching their largest lead of the game.
Angel Johnson hit a three to open the scoring in the second half and spark a 7-0 Celts run, but Johnson picked up his fourth personal foul shortly afterward. Hooker and Calvin Williams IV kept St. Thomas close before a Nick Anderson dunk gave UST a 54-53 lead with seven minutes remaining. With each team unable to pull away, Angel Johnson hit the biggest shot of the night for UST, a left corner three to tie the game at 64 with just over a minute remaining. Williams followed with an and-one of his own to put UST ahead for good, and Hooker converted three of four free throws in the closing seconds to hold off the Comets.
All five UST starters scored in double figures, led by Calvin Williams IV and Wesley Hooker with 16 apiece. Angel Johnson, despite foul trouble, also contributed 11 points on 3-for-4 shooting (2-for-3 from three) in the game.
St. Thomas travels for their next game Tuesday night at East Texas Baptist, starting at 7:00. Follow ustcelts.com for scores and updates.