ABILENE, Texas – The Concordia University Texas men's basketball team was unable to overcome an early double-digit deficit, as Hardin-Simmons held on for a 102-98 victory over the Tornados on Thursday night at Mabee Complex.
WHERE THEY STAND• Concordia Texas fell to 15-9 overall (11-8 ASC).
• The Tornados are tied for sixth in the ASC standings with Texas-Dallas.
• The Cowboys moved in to a four-way for first place in the league standings, rising up to an 18-6 overall mark (14-5 ASC).
HIGHLIGHTS•
Josh Sanchez poured in 35 points in 32 minutes of action.
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Andre Potts netted 27 points and six rebounds in 24 minutes off the bench.
• Concordia shot 44.9 percent from the field.
• The Tornados also knocked down 10 3-pointers and scored 46 points off the bench.
HOW IT HAPPENED• Hardin-Simmons built a 22-point lead in the first half.
• However, CTX was able to trim to lead to 51-43 by halftime.
• The Cowboys pushed their lead back to double figures in the second half, increasing it to as much as 19 in the final 20 minutes.
• The Tornados again used a strong push to cut it to single digits.
• Potts cut the deficit to nine points with a 3-pointer with 8:45 to play.
• Concordia was able to get within 92-89 when Sanchez completed a traditional three-point play with 2:53 left in the game.
• After Hardin-Simmons increased its advantage to 101-93, the Tornados scored five straight points to again pull within three.
• However, Christian O'Neal clinched the game at the free-throw line, hitting the first of two shots in the final second.
COMING UP NEXT• The Tornados will travel to Richardson to close out the regular season against Texas-Dallas. Tip-off is slated for 3 p.m.
