THE RUNDOWN
The dominating offensive display against UAFS moved No. 6 DBU to 10-1 after a 99-79 win Thursday night at the Burg Center. The Patriots were led by Ricky Lujan, who scored 18 points and was joined in double figures by four other Patriots, including Cameron Kahn (13), Jaden Shelvin (11), Isaac Bullard (11), and Trevor Frank (11).
Just over three minutes into the game, a Ta'Jay Dunlap layup gave DBU their first lead of the first half after a 5-0 run. Taking advantage of rebounds, a 7-0 run from UAFS brought them back into the game. The Patriots responded with an 8-0 surge over the next two minutes to go up 18-14. A 3-point jumper by Cody Stevens allowed DBU enough breathing room to secure their lead with 3:08 left to play in the half. The Patriots ended the half with a 5-0 run; shots from Ricky Lujan put DBU ahead 47-35, the first double-digit lead of the half.
The Patriots would lead by as much as 21 points seven minutes into the second half, going up 67-46 after a 7-0 run. DBU extended their lead to 81-58, forcing a Lions' timeout with 9:46 to play. DBU led by 21 points at the game's final media timeout. A Trevor Frank three-pointer with 39 seconds remaining put the finishing touches on a 99-79 win.
THREE THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW
- DBU is 10-1 for the first time since the 2019-2020 season.
- The win today is the 99th home win for DBU since 2015.
- The Patriots held UAFS's leading score, Lian Ramiro, to four points.
INSIDE THE NUMBERS
9 - Deng Dut dished out a career-high nine assists.
13 - The Patriots were 13-13 at the free-throw line.
24 - DBU totaled 24 points off of turnovers compared to UAFS's 10.
DBU HEAD COACH BLAKE FLICKNER'S & RICKY LUJAN'S POST-GAME COMMENTS
UP NEXT
The Patriots remain home to contest against Oklahoma Christian. Tip-off is scheduled for Saturday, January 6, at 2:00 pm.
