Dillard Bleu Devils pull off huge 10-point upset over 8th-ranked Talladega in NAIA Game of the Week

NEW ORLEANS -- The Dillard University Bleu Devils produced 50 second half points en route to a 84-74 victory at the Battlefield in Dent Hall over the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics' eight-ranked team in Talladega College in the NAIA Network Division 1 Men's Basketball Game of the Week. With the win, Dillard moves into sole possession of first place in the Gulf Coast Athletic Conference, and the loss snaps Talladega's 11-game win streak.

Dillard (11-6, 3-1 GCAC) was led by junior standout Demetric Austin (JR/Washington, D.C.) who finished with a double-double, scoring 28 points and grabbing 10 boards in the victory. Austin was thrilled with the outcome but still seemed focused, only showing a casual smile from time to time.

"I feel great," said Austin. "We worked very hard for the past three weeks leading up to conference play and this game goes to show how great we can be. I think Coach Mike Newell had the upper hand today and showed why he is a great coach and was able to beat his mentee Coach Matt Cross."

Dillard led by as many as eight points in the first half before Talladega's Jordan Washington and teammate Qua Doster nailed several shots for the Tornadoes. Doster finished with a team-high 24 points and buried 7-of-11 three-pointers while Washington scored 19 points and dished out five assists in the loss.

"I think we can go all the way to a championship game, we just have to have the same mentality and spirit all the way through conference play," said Austin. "Also, I love our fans. They were great and they always support us."

As a team Dillard dominated the glass by grabbing 47 boards to only 29 for the Tornadoes. The Bleu Devils shot over 50 percent from the field thanks to players like junior Dennis Reed (JR/England, Ark.) who finished with 16 points and hit 8-of-9 shots from the field. Reed also pulled down eight boards while teammate Dennis Hightower (JR/Chicago, Ill.) filled the stat sheet with 13 points, eight assists, seven rebounds and tfuwo steals in nearly 40 minutes of action.

Dillard continues GCAC action on Monday, January 25 as they host Edward Waters College. Tip-off is set for 7:30 p.m.

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