ORANGE, Calif. — The Chapman University men's basketball program opened up play against No. 12 ranked Trinity University at Hardin-Simmons in Abilene, Texas Friday afternoon. They ended up falling 86-84, only after junior guard Joe Jack had a career night and went for 29 points, 26 of which came in the second half. In 24 minutes, he knocked down five three-pointers and made eight free throws. He also added on eight rebounds and two steals. Fellow junior Joe Keegan had 16 points along with five three-pointers made. 

In his career debut with the Panthers, Jackson Leech went for 14 points, seven assists, five rebounds and four steals. Senior forward Scott Schulz went for 13 points and two steals which shooting 6-for-8 from the field. As a team, Chapman shot a blistering 49 percent from the field and 60 percent from behind-the-arc. Chapman was also down just one point heading into halftime. 

The Panthers led by two points with 40 seconds to play, thanks to another made three-pointer by Joe Jack. The game also had 22 lead changes and 11 ties. Trinity came into the game ranked No. 12 in the country per D3Hoops.com. The Panthers will return to action Saturday afternoon against host school Hardin-Simmons at 4 PM PT. The game will be livestreamed on Flo Sports.