TYLER - In matchup for control of second place in the American Southwest Eastern Division, the Texas-Tyler Patriots used a late second half run to finally pull away from LeTourneau and cruise to a 89-68 win over the Jackets. 

LeTourneau jumped out to a 4-0 lead thanks to a jumper from junior Justin Jones and a layup from freshman Ladaria Brown. The Patriots responded by going on a 10-0 run thanks to aggressive play in the paint and getting to the free throw line. 

Senior Deitrich Williams responded with a three pointer before the Patriots got a basket of their own. Jones then hit a layup followed by a three pointer from Brown to tie things up at 12. The Patriots responded with a 15-3 run throuhgout the next eight minutes to go on top 26-15.

LeTourneau closed it back down to seven after a three from senior Cristian Driver and free throws by Jones, but Texas-Tyler was able to maintain control and took a 35-23 lead into the break.

The scoring ran wild to start the second half as each team exchange buckets back and forth. The Patriots then started forcing some missed shots and took advantage as they ran their lead out to 17 in the first four minutes of the half, hitting five of their first six shots of the half including 3-for-3 from behind the arch.

However, the Jackets did not go down easily, responded with an 11-0 run which included a heavy dose of Jones and a big three from Driver.

LeTourneau could not make anything happen from there though as the Patriots hot shooting could not slow down. They took control of the second half and were able to run away with the game, shooting 56% from the field and making five three's.

Jones led the way with 17 points and six rebounds while senior Kendrae Carter chipped in 13 points, all in the second half. D. Williams had another nice game with 11 points, five rebounds, two assists, and a steal. 

The Jackets shot 43% from the field, 42% from the three point line, and 71% from the free throw line. They lost the turnover battle, 8-7, but did a terrific job keeping possession. The key stat was the rebounding battle, which the Jackets lost 41-29 while giving up 11 offensive boards, leading to 12 second chance points. The Jackets also allowed 38 points in the paint. 

LeTourneau drops down to third place in the ASC East, but can make ground up again as they welcome in the team currently in first place, the Texas-Dallas Comets. Tipoff is set for 7:30 from Solheim Arena and can be seen live on Pack Network.