Crusaders Power Past Tigers into Saturday's Semifinals

Crusaders Power Past Tigers into Saturday's Semifinals

IRVING, Texas - Sophomore guard Michael Sarrat had a game-high 21 points and fourth-seeded University of Dallas survived two three-point field goal attempts in the final 14 seconds to hold on for a 50-47 victory over fifth-seeded Colorado College in Friday's first quarterfinal game of the 2015 SCAC Men's Basketball Tournament. Box Score | Official Tournament Website | Men's Interactive Bracket | Video Recap | Photo Gallery

With the victory, Dallas improves to 18-8 and advances to Saturday's semifinal where it will take on top-seeded Texas Lutheran at 5 p.m. After quarterfinal exits the last three years, the Crusaders earned the program's first-ever conference postseason win since joining the SCAC prior to the 2011-12 season.

Colorado College completes its season with a 13-13 record.

After a driving layup by Kym Malone put the Crusaders up by five, 50-45, with 47 seconds remaining, a flagrant one technical on Dallas' Aaron Wyatt on a missed shot rebound gave Colorado College new life. The two ensuing free throws by the Tigers' Chris Lesnansky cut the lead to 50-47, and even after a missed three-pointer by CC guard Luke Winfield and a foul to stop the clock, Colorado College still had a chance for the tie after forcing a five second call on the throw in attempt by Dallas.

Winfield's second three-point attempt in the final seconds, however, bounded away and Dallas hung on for the exciting victory in front of its home crowd.

Dallas shot 38.8 percent (19-49) for the game while Colorado College only managed to make 32.7 percent (18-55) of its attempts. In a game that was tightly contested, neither team ever led by more than 8 and there were 10 lead changes and four ties.

Malone finished with 10 points, five rebounds and four assists while Wyatt had four points and eight rebounds for the Crusaders.

Winfield had 11 points and four rebounds for the Tigers, followed by Lesnansky with 10 points, five rebounds and four assists.