CJ Ward turns in season-best night to lead Schreiner into SCAC semifinals

IRVING, Texas — Craig “CJ” Ward scored a game-high 19 points to lead Schreiner University to an 83-72 victory over the University of Dallas on Friday at Maher Athletic Center, propelling the Mountaineers to their 20th win of the season — a program record.

“It was a really hot shooting start for us first half,” said Schreiner coach Marwan Elrakabawy. “I think we shot over 50% over 50 from three.”

Schreiner (20-6, 12-4 SCAC) built a nine-point halftime advantage and never relinquished control in the second half, advancing to face top-seeded St. Thomas in Saturday’s Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference tournament semifinals.

The victory marked a significant milestone for the Mountaineers program as they reached the 20-win plateau for the first time in school history.

Ward shot an efficient 9 of 11 from the field while adding eight rebounds, three steals and a block.

“CJ is just so good at slicing through the defense and finishing with his left hand, particularly in transition,” Elrakabawy said.

Center Kamden Ross contributed 15 points and eight rebounds, including three blocks that anchored the Mountaineers’ interior defense.

Beau Cervantes provided a perimeter threat with 14 points, connecting on four 3-pointers, while reserve Charley Reado added 13 points off the bench, including three 3-pointers in 21 minutes.

The Mountaineers built a 45-36 halftime lead and maintained their advantage throughout the second half despite Dallas’ attempts to rally.

Schreiner shot 46.3% from the field and 40.9% from 3-point range, while holding Dallas to 28.6% shooting from beyond the arc. The Mountaineers also forced 15 turnovers while committing just 12.

Mario Johnson added nine points and six rebounds, playing a key defensive role as well.

“Mario in particular, just towards the end of the year, has really blossomed into the type of player that we always knew he could be,” Elrakabawy said. “We were having Rio and CJ take the brunt of that guarding assignment. They just did great. And then found opportunity to score on the other end.”

Dallas (13-13, 9-7 SCAC) was led by Johny Olmsted and Thomas Fleming, who each scored 19 points. Jack Boyle recorded a double-double with 17 points and a game-high 19 rebounds.

The victory sets up a semifinal matchup with St. Thomas, the tournament’s No. 1 seed. The game will be played Saturday at the University of Dallas.

Reflecting on the team’s record-breaking season and tournament win, Elrakabawy praised his squad’s resilience.

“I don’t think I’ve ever been as proud of a group of just kind of figuring it out,” he said. “Those guys just figured it out. They found ways. They defended. They stayed with each other. The bench was great. I was just so proud of the way they were resilient and they stuck together and they had belief today.”

The Mountaineers now turn their attention to top-seeded St. Thomas as they continue their quest for an SCAC championship.

The Mountaineers’ 20-6 record marks the best season in program history as they continue their quest for an SCAC championship.