HOUSTON, TX- The University of St. Thomas men's basketball team returned to action on their home court, hosting the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor in a commanding performance that resulted in a 77–71 victory. The win puts the Celts back on track and extends their momentum to a two-game win streak.

UMHB struck first to open the game, but the Celts quickly responded as Nathan Kongolo drilled a three-pointer to even the score at 3–3. The Crusaders briefly took back the lead, but consecutive threes from Kongolo and Angel Johnson shifted momentum and put UST ahead 9–7 midway through the half. That lead ignited a dominant stretch for the Celts, who scored 13 points in just five minutes. Key highlights included a paint jumper from Corey Thompson, a strong layup from Reyce Allen assisted by Johnson, a free throw from Allen, and a series of defensive plays led by Kongolo's steals. A transition layup from Jaden Ross, assisted by Garrett Rodgers, pushed UST's advantage to 22–7 with 10 minutes remaining. UMHB chipped into the deficit, pulling in 19–25, but a timely three-pointer from Brennan Webb—set up by Rodgers, helped maintain control. A defensive rebound by Charles Gitonga kept possession alive, allowing Johnson to drive for a layup assisted by Thompson to extend the lead to 27–19. The Crusaders surged late in the half to close within 24–27, but UST answered with strong team execution. A layup from Allen, assisted by Ross, pushed the score to 29–24, and the final minute featured a three-pointer from Ross and another Allen contribution in the paint both assisted by Johnson, sending the Celts into halftime with a confident 34–24 advantage.

UMHB opened the half looking to shift momentum, but UST responded immediately with a layup from Allen assisted by Nicholas Buffalo. After allowing a Crusader score, the Celts regrouped and went on a 9-point run to build a 47–28 lead, forcing UMHB into a timeout. This stretch was highlighted by a steal from Buffalo that led to a fast-break layup by Johnson.  The teams exchanged baskets as UST sustained a double-digit lead. A fast-break jumper from Omar Gayle, assisted by Johnson, extended the margin to 57–35 heading into the final 10 minutes. Contributions from Legborsi Mato and Gayle helped further the lead, and a three-pointer by Webb pushed the Celts ahead 67–45. UMHB persisted a late push, cutting it close to 67–60 in the final two minutes. Fouls on Johnson and Allen allowed UST to add crucial free-throw points, extending the lead to 71–66. In the final minute, a defensive steal by Johnson created a transition opportunity for Allen, who finished the play with a strong layup in the paint. The Celts sealed the game at the line as Gayle and Johnson sank late free throws to secure the 77–71 victory.

Reyce Allen led the Celts with 17 points, shooting a perfect 3-for-3 from the free-throw line while adding 6 rebounds and providing a physical presence in the paint. Angel Johnson followed with 13 points, 8 assists, and 5 steals while going 4-for-4 from the line. Both Nathan Kongolo and Jaden Ross contributed 11 points each, rounding out a balanced offensive performance for the Celts.

Up Next:
The Celts continue to host at their home court as they prepare for their next match-up against past SCAC team,Trinity University. The game is set to take place Saturday, Dec. 6th @4PM. Fans can follow updates at ustcelts.com and on Instagram at @ustmbasketball.