THE LEAD 
The Dallas Baptist University Men's Basketball Team extended their season win streak to seven games after defeating the St. Mary's Rattlers, 74-67. DBU was led by Shannon Lilly and Patrick Burke with 15 points. Other Patriots scoring in double-figures were Joey Miller (13), Myles Johnson (11), and Tim Simmons (10).    

In the first 20 minutes of action DBU maintained an early lead, putting together runs powered by 10 first half points by Tim Simmons. The Patriots went up by as many as nine points with free throws by Myles Johnson giving the Patriots a 29-20 advantage with 5:19 left.

The lead was not safe for long as StMU, led by Trey Hall's 15 points, rattled off nine straight points to tie the game, 29-29. DBU regained the lead with a Jordan Gosey free throw, putting the Patriots up 32-29, before St. Mary's Bryce Smith hit a buzzer beater three pointer to tie both teams at 32 heading into the locker room for halftime.      

Out of the intermission, DBU gained an early advantage going up 42-36, before St. Mary's engineered a run that gave the Rattlers their first lead of the second half. An eight point run by StMU capped off by another Smith three pointer gave St. Mary's a 44-42 lead with 12:57 remaining.

With StMU up 51-49, DBU replied with a run of their own started by a Jordan Pratt free throw then a steal that led to a lay up, sparking an eight-point rally and putting DBU ahead 57-51. The Patriots went on to take their biggest lead of the afternoon with a ten point advantage, after possessions that included a big Patrick Burke dunk and a threepointer by Shannon Lilly gave DBU a 62-52 lead.

The Rattlers would not go out quietly closing the gap 69-62, before a Joey Miller jumper pushed the Patriots ahead 68-62. The Patriots went on to hold off the Rattlers, 74-67. 
 
DBU HEAD COACH BLAKE FLICKNER ON THE WIN
"Tonight was a really good team effort. Guys stepped up and really grounded out a hard fought win playing great defense and rebounding. To out rebound St. Mary's is a great accomplishment and a real team effort."  
 
THREE THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW 
- With a record of 13-4 through 17 games, this is the best start in DBU Basketball history. 
- Jonathan Perry played in his 97th career game for DBU. Perry is the active leader in games played for the Patriots. 
- This was DBU's third win of the season where the Patriots scored under 90 points, and first where they scored under 80.  
 
INSIDE THE NUMBERS 
14 - Number of points DBU scored off of forced turnovers. 
8   - Joey Miller tied his season-high number of assists.
5 - Number of Patriots who scored in doubled figures 

UP NEXT FOR THE PATRIOTS
The Patriots will wrap up their four game home stand hosting Texas A&M International on Monday, January 25. Tip-off is set for 7:00 p.m.