THE RUNDOWN
DBU (6-6, 0-1 LSC) fell short at Texas A&M-Commerce, 73-64 Sunday afternoon. The Patriots took a two-point lead into halftime, but the Lions (10-1, 2-0 LSC) shot 52% from the floor in the final frame and scored three in double figures. 

Julian Miranda helped DBU keep pace against a TAMUC squad that poured in its first 21 points from the 3-point line. The fifth-year guard scored all of his season-high 11 points in the first half as the Patriots entered the locker room up 28-26. After shooting just 33% from the field in the first half on two trips to the free-throw line, the Lions reversed course over the final 20 minutes. TAMUC forced the issue against the DBU defense and quickly entered the bonus, where it mustered 19 extra points at the charity stripe. Senior big man Clashon Gaffney added another four blocks to his nation-leading total alongside a team-high 12 second-half points as the Lions outpaced the Patriots 47-36 to seal the win.

Ricky Lujan led the offensive charge for DBU. The sophomore scored 16 points and totaled a game-high six assists. Joining Miranda and Lujan in double figures was freshman guard Jack Johnson, who added 11 points on 3-of-5 perimeter shooting.

THREE THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW 
-DBU drops its first conference opener since joining the Lone Star. 
-Jalen White scored five points and added three rebounds in his return from injury. 
-The Patriots committed just eight turnovers on the day, their fewest in a loss this season. 

COACH BLAKE FLICKNER ON THE GAME 
"Commerce punched us in the mouth in the second half, and we tried to respond, but couldn't seem to ever hold the momentum for very long. The offense went cold, and we just never found our rhythm. Give them credit for making plays, they are a very good team. We'll be excited to bounce back and get back in the Burg this week." 

INSIDE THE NUMBERS
4 - Clashon Gaffney has recorded four blocks in three straight games. 
6- Julian Miranda shot a perfect 6-of-6 from the free-throw line. 
10.4 - The Patriots were without Carson Hughes and his 10.4 ppg production.

UP NEXT
DBU plays host to St. Mary's on Thursday, January 6. Tipoff is set for 7:00 p.m.