Cowboys Set School Record For Wins; Advance To Round of 16

More news about: Hardin-Simmons
ABILENE, Texas – Hardin-Simmons' men's basketball team advanced to the third round of the NCAA Division III Tournament with a 95-85 win over Emory University in front of a big crowd at the Mabee Complex on Saturday night.

Nathaniel Jack led the way for the Cowboys with his 10th straight double-double. He had 26 points and 15 rebounds and broke the ASC single-season record for rebounds.

Christopher Avant hit a 3-pointer for Emory to cut HSU's early lead to 25-23 with 9:57 to play in the first half and then the Cowboys went on a 16-5 run over the next 4:39 to take a 41-28 lead. Emory cut it to five points but Christian O'Neal's buzzer beater from just inside halfcourt gave HSU a 50-41 lead at halftime.

The Cowboys continued to keep the Eagles at a good distance and led 75-58 at the 7:25 mark. The Eagles were able to cut the deficit to 77-70 with 4:16 to play but the Cowboys pushed the lead quickly back to 85-70.

HSU sealed the game at the foul line in the final 2:20 as the Cowboys went 12-of-14 down the stretch when the Eagles went to the foul game to extend the contest. HSU was 34-of-40 on the night at the line.

Dashun Dixon added 20 points for the Cowboys and Christian O'Neal added 17. Justin Jones had 12 points, nine rebounds, four assists and four blocks. He is now fifth all-time in Division III history with 368 blocked shots.

Austin Dague led the Eagles with 21 points and 11 rebounds. Jim Gordon added 20 points and seven rebounds and Whitt Rapp had 11 points and nine assists.

HSU is now 24-6 on the year and the 24 wins are a new single-season school record. Emory ended its season with a record of 19-8. HSU will find out on Sunday where it will play in the NCAA Sectionals next weekend.
 

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