HOUSTON, TEXAS (November 27, 2024) The Houston Christian University Huskies started strong but couldn’t hold off a second-half comeback by Northern Arizona University (NAU), losing 74-71 on Thanksgiving Eve at Sharp Gymnasium. The Huskies led by two with less than two minutes left, but NAU’s Trenton McLaughlin hit a game-winning three-pointer with two seconds remaining.
HCU came out firing, building a 24-8 lead midway through the first half, thanks to a 15-point burst by Elijah Brooks. Julian Mackey joined in, helping the Huskies stretch their lead to 40-23 at halftime. HCU shot 60% in the first half while holding NAU to just 33%.
The second half, however, belonged to the Lumberjacks. A 17-2 run cut HCU’s lead to 57-53 with 10 minutes left. NAU’s hot shooting continued, and they tied the game late. Mackey’s jumper briefly gave HCU the lead, but McLaughlin’s step-back three sealed the win for NAU.
Despite the loss, Brooks and Mackey had career nights, combining for 57 points. Brooks scored 29 on 13-17 shooting, while Mackey added 28 with eight rebounds.
HCU falls to 2-5 after their third straight close loss. The Huskies will look to bounce back Saturday against UTSA in San Antonio, with tip-off set for 3 p.m.
HOUSTON, TEXAS (November 25, 2024) The Houston Christian University Huskies men's basketball team came close to an incredible comeback but fell just short, losing 74-73 to Eastern Michigan University on Monday night at Sharp Gym.
Down by 16 points with less than nine minutes left, the Huskies caught fire. D’Aundre Samuels led the charge, hitting four three-pointers in four minutes, pulling HCU back into the game. Elijah Brooks gave the Huskies their first lead since the first half with a fast break layup and a free throw, putting them up 68-67 with two minutes left.
But EMU didn’t back down. Da’Sean Nelson and Jalen Terry helped the Eagles regain control, with Terry’s two free throws proving to be the game-winners. HCU had a chance in the final seconds, but Julian Mackey’s last-second three-pointer missed, sealing the Huskies’ fate.
HCU shot an impressive 51% from the field and 45% from beyond the arc. Brooks led the Huskies with 17 points, while Samuels added a season-high 15. Bryson Dawkins and Mackey chipped in 12 and 10 points, respectively.
EMU, now 4-2, was led by Nelson’s 19 points and Terry’s 18. The Eagles shot 57% overall, and their free throws made the difference.
The Huskies, now 2-4, wrap up their homestand on Wednesday night against Northern Arizona University at 7 p.m. at Sharp Gym.
HOUSTON, TEXAS (November 23, 2024) The HCU Huskies finished their 2024 football season in style, beating Northwestern State Demons 62-24 on "Senior Day" at Husky Stadium. The Huskies put on a show with over 600 yards of offense, making it a game to remember for their fans.
The game started with a big play by the HCU defense. They stopped the Demons on fourth down and got the ball at the Demons’ 43-yard line. That led to a 23-yard field goal by Dillon Fedor to give HCU an early 3-0 lead. After that, the Huskies couldn’t be stopped.
Quarterback Cutter Stewart connected with AJ Wilson for a 32-yard touchdown, while Calvin Hill added a two-yard rushing score, and Darryle Evans broke free for a 47-yard touchdown run. Just like that, HCU was up 24-7 early in the second quarter.
After the break, HCU came out strong. On their first drive of the third quarter, Hill broke free for a 25-yard touchdown, capping a quick 79-yard drive. D.J. Harris then picked off a pass from the Demons and returned it to the 15-yard line. Stewart took advantage, hitting Deuce McMillan for an 11-yard touchdown. The Huskies led 38-14 just three minutes into the second half.
In the fourth quarter, Stewart found Ismael Fuller for a 36-yard touchdown, extending the lead to 59-17. The Demons scored one last time early in the quarter, but HCU sealed the win with a long, time-eating drive that ended with a 27-yard field goal by Fedor.
HCU’s 617 total yards of offense was the fourth-highest in school history, and their 332 rushing yards ranked third. Calvin Hill led the ground game with 109 yards and two touchdowns on 20 carries. Wilson had another big game, catching three passes for 123 yards and a touchdown, marking his fourth straight 100-yard game. Stewart finished with 296 passing yards and three touchdowns.
The Huskies’ defense was just as impressive, holding Northwestern State to only 211 yards and 10 first downs. Harris had nine tackles and his first career interception, while Joe Cadette added six tackles, a sack, and 1.5 tackles for loss.
With the win, HCU finished the season 5-7 overall and 3-4 in the Southland Conference. Northwestern State ended their season winless at 0-12.
HCU fans have a lot to be excited about as the team looks to carry this momentum into next year.
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HOUSTON, TEXAS (September 7, 2024) The Houston Christian University football team dropped their home opener to 20th-ranked Tarleton State, 35-18, on Saturday night at Husky Stadium. This was the Huskies' first-ever home game against a ranked non-conference opponent.
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| Photo courtesy of HCU Media Relations Department |
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| Photo by Darla S Tamulitis, La Vita Loca Photography Copyright 2023 All Rights Reserved |
HOUSTON, TEXAS (November 22, 2023) In a commanding display of skill and teamwork, the HCU Huskies women's basketball team triumphed over the Mount St. Joseph Lions with a resounding 80-46 victory in a non-conference matchup at Sharp Gym on Wednesday evening.
Right from the opening tip-off, the Huskies (2-4) asserted their dominance, seizing a quick 4-0 lead with Jo Oly contributing two early baskets. As the first quarter progressed, HCU continued to widen the gap, reaching an impressive 25-10 advantage by the end of the period. Enya Maguire and Kennedy Wilson played pivotal roles in this early surge, combining for 21 points.
By halftime, the Huskies had built a substantial 45-24 lead, with Maguire showcasing her sharpshooting skills, going 4-of-4 from the field for 11 points. Wilson contributed 10 points and an impressive five steals, setting the tone for HCU's defensive prowess.
Despite a brief challenge from Mount St. Joseph in the third quarter, the Huskies responded emphatically with a 25-0 run, keeping the Lions scoreless for nearly nine minutes. N'Denasija Collins led all players with 17 points, supported by Wilson's 16 points and Maguire's 14, including four three-pointers.
The statistics reflect the Huskies' dominance on the court, shooting 60 percent as a team, controlling the boards with a 37-20 advantage, and forcing 21 turnovers. The team's balanced offense, efficient shooting, and solid defense proved too much for the Lions to handle.
Looking ahead, HCU is set to continue their home stand with a game against Howard Payne on Monday, November 27, at 6:00 p.m. inside Sharp Gym.
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| Photo by Darla Tamulitis, La Vita Loca Photography Copyright 2023 All Rights Reserved |
HOUSTON, TEXAS (November 22, 2023) In an announcement from the Southland Conference, HCU Huskies senior linebacker Jalyx Hunt (shown left) has been named the Defensive Player of the Year for the 2023 season.
His contributions this season include 46 tackles, 6.5 sacks, and nine tackles for loss. The senior linebacker's ability to read plays, disrupt offenses, and make crucial tackles contributed to HCU's success this season. A standout moment in Hunt's season was his exceptional performance against Lamar, where his play featured a forced fumble and and fumble recovery.
In addition, Hunt has received invitations to both the East-West Shrine Bowl and the Reese's Senior Bowl. Hunt's journey to Defensive Player of the Year mirrors that of former Huskie Caleb Johnson, now a Jacksonville Jaguar, who secured Co-Defensive Player of the Year in 2020.
Hunt was not the only Husky named to post season honors. Dillon Fedor and Karl Reynolds earned well-deserved first-team all-conference honors for their remarkable performances this season. Fedor, a junior placekicker, tied the record for the most made field goals in the conference with 10. Reynolds, a senior wide posted 47 receptions, 661 yards, and six touchdowns in 2023.
In addition, linebacker Rodney Dansby and offensive lineman Christian Hood were both named second team all-conference
HOUSTON, TEXAS (November 20, 2023) In a thrilling matchup at Sharp Gym on Monday night, the HCU Huskies fought valiantly but ultimately fell short in an 89-87 loss to the University of Texas at San Antonio. The game was marked by intense back-and-forth action, with the Huskies battling from an 11-point deficit in the second half.
The game kicked off with the skills of Bonke Maring and Marcus Greene ,who led the charge for HCU, scoring 11 consecutive points, including three from long range.
Undeterred, the Huskies began to chip away at the lead, thanks in part to Michael Imariagbe's contributions. Imariagbe's inside presence helped bring the deficit under double-digits, and his efforts, along with key plays from Jay Alvarez and Bonke Maring, brought HCU within one point at halftime, trailing 47-46.
The second half saw UTSA extending their lead to double-digits, but the resilient Huskies fought back, showcasing their determination. Jay Alvarez's driving layup and a dunk from Bonke Maring kept the game competitive, but UTSA's Trey Edmonds dunk and Isaiah Wyatt's bucket maintained their lead.
HCU launched a final push in the closing minutes, with Jay Alvarez making crucial plays and Pierce Bazil sinking two free throws to cut the deficit. However, UTSA held on, securing the 89-87 victory.
Despite the loss, HCU's Marcus Greene led the team with 23 points, while Jay Alvarez contributed 19 points. Michael Imariagbe posted a double-double with 17 points and 11 rebounds, showcasing his versatility.
The Huskies, now 0-3 on the season, look to bounce back as they leave home on a three-game road stretch. Their next matchup is a Friday clash against Oklahoma State in Stillwater, followed by a game against TCU in Fort Worth next Monday.
HOUSTON, TEXAS (November 18, 2023) The Houston Christian University Huskies football team concluded its most successful season to date with a hard-fought matchup against the 11th-ranked University of the Incarnate Word (UIW) Cardinals. Although the Huskies fell short, losing 45-24 at Husky Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
The game kicked off with a promising start for the Huskies as they made a crucial fourth-down stop early on, showcasing their defensive prowess. However, HCU struggled to capitalize on this momentum, facing a formidable UIW defense. The Cardinals quickly seized control, with Zach Calzada connecting with Caleb Chapman for a 53-yard pass that set up a four-yard touchdown run by Isaiah Robinson, giving UIW an early 7-0 lead.
Despite facing challenges, the Huskies displayed resilience, and Ronald Wilson's interception provided a glimmer of hope. UIW, however, missed a field goal opportunity, giving the Huskies another chance. Unfortunately, HCU's offense faced difficulties, leading to a Cardinals touchdown and a 14-0 deficit.
HCU fought back, with Darryle Evans breaking a 26-yard run to set up a touchdown pass from Colby Suits to Calvin Wiggins. The Cardinals maintained control, extending their lead to 24-7 by halftime. The Huskies continued to battle in the second half, with a Dillon Fedor field goal and a touchdown run by Suits narrowing the gap to 45-17.
Despite the spirited effort, UIW's offensive proved decisive, securing the victory with a final score of 45-24. Colby Suits showcased his skills, passing for 202 yards and a touchdown, while also rushing for another score. Offensive standouts included Evans with 67 rushing yards and Karl Reynolds with 58 receiving yards.
Defensively, Rodney Dansby led the charge for the Huskies with an impressive 13 tackles, while Isaiah Cash and Josh Ferguson contributed eight and seven tackles, respectively. However, UIW's Calzada stole the spotlight, finishing with 407 yards and four touchdown passes, connecting with Chapman for three of those scores.
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| Photo by Darla S Tamulitis, La Vida Loca Photography, Copyright 2023 All Rights Reserved |
LAKE CHARLES, LOUISIANA (November 11, 2023) In a thrilling Southland Conference showdown at Cowboy Stadium on a chilly Saturday night, the HCU Huskies (6-4, 4-2 SLC) etched their names in the program's history books. Battling from behind at halftime and entering the fourth quarter, the Huskies orchestrated a spectacular comeback, outscoring the McNeese Cowboys 14-0 in the final 15 minutes to seal a 35-24 victory.
The game's tone was set early as senior cornerback Jordan Oliver intercepted McNeese on the fourth play of the game, returning it 53 yards for a touchdown, giving HCU an early 7-0 lead. The first quarter saw both teams trading blows, with standout plays from quarterback Colby Suits and a relentless defensive effort.
Despite a strong start, McNeese (1-9, 1-5 SLC) clawed back, taking a 17-14 lead at halftime. However, the resilient Huskies responded, with Suits connecting with Karl Reynolds for a deep touchdown pass, regaining the lead at 21-17 early in the third quarter.
The see-saw battle continued, with McNeese answering back to take a 24-21 lead, but the Huskies dug deep. Suits orchestrated an 11-play, 80-yard drive, rushing for a crucial touchdown, putting HCU back on top at 28-24. The Huskies' defense stepped up, forcing pivotal stops and recovering a crucial onside kick.
Running back Jesse Valenzuela had a career night, rushing for 171 yards and a touchdown on 33 carries, marking the fifth-highest rushing total in program history. Quarterback Suits contributed both on the ground and through the air, totaling 185 yards and three touchdowns.
Defensively, the Huskies were led by Isaiah Cash with 10 tackles, and Rodney Dansby and Jalyx Hunt made game-changing plays. Oliver's interception showcased the Huskies' ability to create turnovers, finishing with four takeaways.
The victory guarantees the Huskies their first-ever winning season, surpassing the previous record of five wins set in 2019. With one game left in the regular season against UIW, Head Coach Braxton Harris's debut season has been nothing short of remarkable.
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| Photo by Darla S Tamulitis, La Vida Loco Photography, Copyright 2023, All Rights Reserved |
HOUSTON, TEXAS (September 9, 2023) The HCU Huskies are hitting the road this Saturday under the leadership of head coach Braxton Harris, and they're gearing up for a challenging matchup against FBS and Conference USA rival, the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers The game is scheduled for a 6:00 p.m. kickoff and will be broadcasted on ESPN+.
The Huskies are entering this contest with high spirits following a dominant season opener that saw them trounce Arkansas Baptist 66-0. This victory not only marked the third-highest point total in the program's history. The team showcased their prowess by accumulating an impressive 473 yards of total offense while holding the Buffaloes to just 132 yards.
Redshirt freshman Champ Dozier (#1, shown above) emerged as a star, rushing for 97 yards and three touchdowns, earning him the Southland Conference Offensive Player of the Week accolade. Jesse Valenzuela also made a big impact, averaging 20.7 yards per carry with 62 yards on three carries. Quarterbacks Colby Suits and Justin Fomby were in sync, completing 16 of 20 passes for 232 yards, three touchdowns, and no interceptions.
Defensively, junior linebacker Josh Ferguson was a force to be reckoned with, tallying 3.5 tackles for loss, including an eight-yard sack. All-American linebacker Rodney Dansby led the team with 10 tackles, and Jalyx Hunt had a memorable moment with his first career "airfat" (an interception returned for a touchdown).
On the other side, Western Kentucky is coming off a solid 41-24 victory over South Florida, with senior quarterback Austin Reed leading the charge.
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| Champ Dozier (1) scored three TDs for the Huskies. Photo by Darla S Tamulitis, La Vita Loca Photography, Copyright 2023 All Rights Reserved |
HOUSTON, TEXAS (September 2, 2023) The Houston Christian University Huskies scored the third most points in program history as they downed the Arkansas Baptist College Buffaloes by the score of 66-0 at Husky Stadium on Houston on Saturday. The win kicks off the "new era" of Huskies football under head coach Braxton Harris.
The Huskies found the end zone on their first set of downs when quarterback Colby Suits connected with wide receiver Calvin Wiggins for 13 yards and the touchdown. Dillon Fedor converted the extra point to give HCU a 7-0 lead at the 12:54 in the first quarter. The Husky scoring drive consisted of four plays and 57 yards and lasted 1:12.
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| Jalyx Hunt (13) returned an interception for a TD for HCU. Photo by Darla S. Tamulitis, La Vita Loca Photography Copyright 2023 All Rights Reserved |
HOUSTON, TEXAS (January 21, 2023) The HCU Huskies dropped a 57-42 decision to the Texas A&M-Corpus Christi Islanders (11-7, 6-1 SLC) at Sharp Gymnasium on Saturday afternoon. The Huskies (8-10) were leading by a slight margin (three points) after three quarters of play, but could not match the offensive punch of the Islanders in the fourth quarter; being outscored 24-6.
N'Denasija Harris lead the HCU scoring with 17 points followed by Abbey Southland, Marilyn Nzoiwu, and Kennedy Wilson with six points each. Wilson also led the Huskies with seven rebounds. For the Islanders, Alecia Westbrook tallied 13 points and 13 rebounds for her ninth double-double of the season. She has achieved six of her double-doubles in conference games this season. In addition, it was the senior's 27th double-double of her career.
HCU lost two-of-three meetings against the Islanders in 2021-22 season. The teams squared off in non-conference play where Corpus won, before splitting the conference series. Overall the Huskies are 8-13 against the Islanders dating back to 2011. In the lone Huskies win of last season, Nzoiwu posted a 13-point 13-rebound double-double. Wilson also dropped 12 points in the win.
In other Southland Conference women's action on Saturday, Southeastern (10-7) defeated Texas A&M-Commerce (6-11) by the score of 46-42 while McNeese (7-11) outlasted Nicholls (4-14) 70-62.
