AUSTIN, Texas – The Concordia Texas men's basketball team dropped its first game of the season, falling 96-82 to Mary Hardin-Baylor in a fast-paced matchup inside Deb & Don Christian Fieldhouse on Sunday afternoon.

The Tornados and Crusaders went back and forth in the opening half, with the score tied 10 times and the lead changing eight times. Both teams entered the break deadlocked at 34-34.

In the second half, UMHB found its rhythm offensively, shooting 56 percent from the field and converting 22-of-29 free throws to pull away. The Crusaders dominated the glass with 64 rebounds, including 20 on the offensive end, which led to 17 second-chance points.

Concordia kept pace with its transition attack, scoring 29 fast break points and forcing 24 UMHB turnovers, but the Tornados couldn't overcome UMHB's balanced scoring and rebounding edge.

Joey Ramirez paced CTX with 23 points and seven rebounds, while Anariss Brandon added 14 points. Aaron San Miguel chipped in 12 points and three steals, and Tariq Muhammad provided an efficient 10 points in just 14 minutes of action. The Tornados' bench contributed 23 points, highlighted by Tremayne Martin's seven.

BOX SCORE STANDOUTS

Joey Ramirez 23 Pts, 7 Reb

Anariss Brandon 14 Pts, 4 Reb

Aaron San Miguel 12 Pts, 3 Stls

Tariq Muhammad 10 Pts, 8 Reb

Concordia Texas moves to 6-1 on the season and will look to bounce back when they return to action Dec.16 against Howard Payne University

To keep up to date with everything surrounding the CTX men's basketball program, follow us on social media (@ctxathletics) and visit athletics.concordia.edu.