SEGUIN, Texas -- Despite 21 points off the bench from sophomore transfer Trey Blackmore (San Antonio/Cole/Cal State Fullerton) in his TLU debut, the Texas Lutheran men's basketball team dropped its season opening contest to Hardin-Simmons, a team receiving votes in the preseason D3hoops.com Top 25 poll, 87-76, Friday night at Memorial Gymnasium.
Three Bulldogs would finish in double figures led by 21 points and three assists from Blackmore. Easton Allen (New Braunfels/Marion) finished with 15 points and four rebounds while freshman Jonah Johnson recorded 12 points (4-6 3PT) in his collegiate debut. Mason Wallace (San Antonio/Judson) grabbed a team-high six rebounds and added seven points in his return to the floor after missing the end of last season due to injury.
Hardin-Simmons held a narrow 39-34 lead at halftime. The Cowboys would lead for the entire second half, leading by as many as 11 points down the stretch.
The Cowboys shot 54% from the field and 81.6% from the line on the night and held a 37-30 advantage on the glass.
The Bulldogs will look to rebound on Saturday, Nov. 9, as they face Howard Payne, in non-conference action. Tip-off is set for 6 PM. All streaming and live stats links will be available on tlubulldogs.com.
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