KERRVILLE - As the clock struck zero on Friday night's game, the LeTourneau YellowJacket men's basketball team had picked up their third straight win by taking out Schreiner on their home court in American Southwest Conference action. One thing Head Coach Bob Davis noticed coming off the court is how mentally tough his team really is.

Coming off a grueling final's week which ended with a roadtrip to Kerrville, LeTourneau led throughout the contest and contiuously fought off Schreiner runs to take a 71-65 win. For the first time since 2009-10, the Jackets are on a three game winning streak. They have also already matched their win total from a year ago and are showing the ASC that this is not the same team.

Going head up against the reigning ASC West Newcomer of the Year and the Preseason Player of the Year, Travis Pflughaupt, the Jackets (4-5, 3-2 ASC) knew they had their hands full on the evening.

LeTourneau came out hot though, starting off with back-to-back three-pointers from freshman Ladaria Brown followed by a three-pointer from senior Deitrich Williams to take the early 9-4 lead.

Schreiner got within two before junior Chad Williams hit LeTourneau's fourth three in the first five minutes to take the 14-9 lead.

The Jackets increased that lead to nine as junior Justin Jones and sophomore Josh Thornton got into the scoring column and D. Williams drained his second three. 

The Mountaineers tried to chip away at the lead before half, but the Jackets put on an offensive display and increased their lead to 28-18 with 5:42 to go in the first half.

However, Schreiner put together a small run before half thanks to the three ball to cut the deficit to 32-28 going into the break.

The energy and enthusiam from both squads was very obvious as the second half got started. Afte Schreiner opened the half with a jump shot, LeTourneau got four straight points from Jones to increase their lead back to six. 

But Schreiner bounced right back with a 6-0 to tie the game. Jones responded with another jumper and a three pointer as LETU built their lead back up.

C. Williams and Brown made some big plays and got baskets to fall and the Jackets looked like they were going to run away with the game, taking a 53-43 lead with 10 minutes to go.

The Mountaineers fired right back thanks to terrific post play from Pflughaupt and pulled back within two, but LeTourneau came up with big shot after big shot including a beautiful dribble-drive layup from D. Williams which resulted in a foul and an extra free throw to complete a three point play and make it 60-56. LeTourneau extended the lead to six with 5:16 to go after a mid-range jumper from Jones.

The Jackets held the lead as Schreiner looked to make one final push, getting the game down to 66-63 with three minutes to go after a three-point play. LeTourneau was able to finish the Mountaineers off thanks to great defense, especially in the post as they forced tough, deep shots. D. Williams iced the game with four straight free throws and the Jackets got the huge win.

LeTourneau showed great poise all night long in the face of adversity and in front of a tough crowd. Jones led the way with 17 points on the night while D. Williams picked up 15 points and six boards. Brown picked up his first double-double of his young career with 14 points and 11 rebounds while C. Williams had 14 points.

The team shot 45% from the field and 54% from behind the arch. They were also an impressive 90% from the free throw line as they got to the line 20 times. LeTourneau also dominated the boards, winning the battle 34-27.

The Jackets turn right back around tomorrow night as they take on Texas Lutheran in Seguin at 7:30. Be sure and tune in to Stretch Internet for live audio coverage of the game, brought to you by LeTourneau's Athletic and Sports Information Department.