TYLER - The LeTourneau YellowJacket women's basketball team returned to the hardwood on Saturday as they looked to get things going against the Texas-Tyler Patriots. The Jackets again struggled on the afternoon as they could not slow down a red hot Patriot offense, falling 93-49.
Texas-Tyler (11-6, 6-5 ASC) took a 5-0 in the first two minutes to get things starter, but junior Julencia Curtis responded with a layup to make it a 5-2 game.
After a basket by the Patriots, freshman Kaley Green buried a three in the corner and junior Alexis Wighaman hit a mid-range jumper to tie it at seven.
Wighaman hit another jumper for the Jackets (5-11, 3-8 ASC) and freshman Erica Carson make a layup in the block to take an 11-9 lead at the 13:52 mark. Texas-Tyler responded with a 9-0 run and never looked back from there.
The Jackets got it back down to three at the mid point of the first half, but Texas-Tyler took their lead out to over 10. After the final media timeout, the Patriots went on a 14-2 run to close the half and take a 49-26 lead at the break.
After a three pointer to open the half by Texas-Tyler, junior Jessica Manas swished a three of her own. However, the hot shooting Patriots continued their trend in the second half, increasing their lead throughout the second half.
LeTourneau continued to fight and tried to make a game of it, but it was too much Patriots at they took the win on their home floor.
Junior Andrea Ashley led the Jackets with 11 points and five boards while Wighaman added 10 points and six boards. freshman Ashley Stephens picked up nine points and Carson added eight points and five rebounds. Green led the team with two steals defensively.
LeTourneau shot well to start the game, but cooled off as it progressed, shooting only 33% from the field, 27% from behind the arch, and 67% from teh free throw line. They lost the turnover battle 27-15 and were even in rebounds with 31. Texas-Tyler also got to the free throw line 32 times compared to only nine for the Jackets.
The Jackets return to action on Thursday as they welcome in the Texas-Dallas Comets to Solheim Arena. Tipoff is set for 5:30 and the game can be seen live on Pack Network.
