LONGVIEW - The LeTourneau Yellowjacket men's basketball team was back in action on Saturday afternoon as they welcomed in the Texas Lutheran Bulldogs in non-conference play. After a slow start in the first half, the YellowJackets took control of the game in the second half, thanks to great play from freshman Chris Hynes to pull away and take a 65-60 win.

It was a slow start for LeTourneau (1-1), as they fell behind 13-2 in the first six and a half minutes, and went 0-for-7 from the field with a hand full of turnovers. Senior Cristian Driver woke the team up with a three pointer, followed by a layup and two more three pointer to make it a 17-13 game.

The YellowJackets continued to inch closer to the Bulldogs (1-3) throughout the first half despite their struggles from the field and went into half down 26-23.

LeTourneau came out in the second half and outscored Texas Lutheran 8-3 thanks to a pair of jumpers from junior Chad Willams and made jumpers from sophomore Josh Thornton and freshman Ladaria Brown.

Hynes began to take over, creating offense on every possession and coming through with many assists early in the second half. 

After made jumpers from senior Kendrae Carter and Hynes, LeTourneau built their lead to 42-36 thanks to creative offense and tough defense. 

The Bulldogs were able to get within one with 7:37 remaining, but the YellowJackets went on a 10-2 run, thanks to six points from Hynes, to take a game-high nine point lead with 5:04 remaining. 

Texas Lutheran was able to get back within four with two minutes remaining, but that was as close as they got as free throws led the way for the rest of the game and LeTourneau pick up their first win of the season.

Hynes was terrific, scoring all of his 14 points in the second half off 5-of-8 shooting while adding six assists, and two rebounds. Driver was 4-for-5 from the field with three three pointers for 12 points. Brown added nine points while junior Justin Jones and Williams had eight points. Williams also led the team with seven rebounds including five on the offensive end.

After only shooting 31% in the first half, LeTourneau rebounded and shot 60% in the second to earn the victory.

The YellowJackets are back in action on Monday as they welcome in Paul Quinn for game two of their home and home series. The Tigers took the first game 125-112 in LeTourneau's opening game of the season. Tipoff is set for 7:30 p.m. in Solheim Arena.