Dillard Outscores Huston-Tillotson in Second Half to Secure Victory

AUSTIN, TX– Dillard flipped the script after halftime Saturday in Austin, rallying past the HT Rams 67–61 at Branch Gymnasium.

After trailing 34–28 at the break, Dillard turned the game with a 39–27 second half, leaning heavily on free throws and a decisive rebounding edge to secure the conference win.

HT controlled the opening 20 minutes behind efficient interior scoring, taking a six-point lead into halftime. But the Rams' offense stalled after the break, while Dillard steadily chipped away—ultimately winning the second half by 12.

The difference came down to two major factors:

- Free throws: Dillard went 25-of-32 (78.1%) at the line, compared to HT's 10-of-20 (50.0%). That +15 margin at the stripe was the biggest separator in a six-point game.
- Rebounding: Dillard dominated the glass 42–27, including 10 offensive rebounds, creating extra chances and limiting HT to one-and-done possessions.

 Dillard's key contributors:
Dillard didn't shoot especially well from the field (18-of-50, 36.0%) but balanced scoring and consistent pressure:

- Miles Williams: 13 points, 10 rebounds, plus 7-of-9 FT.
- Ben Fort: 12 points, 7 rebounds, and a team-high **13 free throw attempts (9 made).
- Christian Pichon Jr. : 12 points on 2-of-4 from three and a perfect 4-of-4 at the line.
- Mason Carpenter (bench): 12 points with 2 threes.
- Wendell Hampton (bench):11 points, 7 rebounds, giving Dillard a strong second unit.

Dillard's interior defense also showed up with 4 blocks, including 3 from center Shane Davis.

HT Rams highlights—and what hurt them:
HT shot a slightly better percentage from the floor (23-of-58, 39.7%) and got standout performances inside:

- Shannon Robinson:15 points, 7 rebounds on 7-of-12 shooting.
- Kemondreon Cansler:10 points on a perfect 5-of-5 shooting with 5 blocks—but he struggled mightily at the line (0-of-5 FT).
- Malkeyce Harris (bench): 11 points, hitting 3-of-6 from three.
- James Harrison: 6 points and a team-high 5 assists off the bench.

The Rams' problems were decisive: missed free throws, getting beaten on the boards, and a cold spell from the backcourt—starting guard Isaiah Halliburton went 0-for-7 (0-for-4 from three) for 1 point.

 By the numbers:
- Halftime: HT 34, Dillard 28
- Final: Dillard 67, HT 61
- Rebounds: Dillard 42, HT 27
- Free throws: Dillard 25/32, HT 10/20
- Attendance: 355

Dillard's ability to manufacture points at the line and control the paint after halftime ultimately erased the early deficit and carried them to a road win.

-Bleu Devils-