Irving, TX - The University of St. Thomas Celts beat the University of Dallas at the Maher Center in Irving, Texas 77-59 on Friday night. The Celts were able to get on the scoreboard early but back to back 3 point shots and a layup by Faith Starnes gave the Crusaders a 10-4 lead midway through the first quarter. The Celts went on an 8-0 run and held a 22-16 point lead going into the end of the first quarter.

The second quarter had the Crusaders tie the game up early beforoe the Celts could score. While the game went back and forth the Celts were able to make another run and get a five point lead before Zariah McInnis (SO/Richmond, TX) stole a UD pass and heaved a half-court shot that banked in to put the Celts up 41-33 at the half. McInnis led the Celts in the period with eight points.

While the Crusaders were able to out-rebound the Celts 55-43, UST had 19 steals and forced UD into 26 turnovers. The Celts shot 88.2% from the charity stripe making 15-17, they also had 26 fastbreak poinst and had 17 assists.

Sheridan Hopkins (JR/Galveston, TX) poured in a season high 32 points shooting 56.5%. Zariah McInnis contributed 17 points and had 6 steals, while Alexya Castillo (FR/Cypress, TX) assisted with 13 points. Sydney Hayes (JR/Houston, TX) dished out 5 assists and Aerial Starks (FR/Houston, TX) and Sheridan Hopkins both pulled down 8 rebounds each.

The Celts travel again next weekend to play in the Eagles Classic at the Southwestern Christian University in Bethany Oklahoma. They will face Southwestern Christian University and the University of Science and Arts Oklahoma.