LONGVIEW - A slow start by the LeTourneau YellowJacket women's basketball team proved to be costly as they could not overcome a large halftime deficit to the Texas-Tyler Patriots. 

It was all Texas-Tyler (16-7, 11-6 ASC) early on as they took an early 11-4 lead. The Jackets got a pair of points from junior Andrea Ashley and sophomore Shi'rrell Williams, but the Patriots responded with a 12-2 run to open their lead to 26-10.

The Jackets (7-15, 4-12) got a three from freshman Kaley Green at the 3:34 mark to make it a 13-point game, but the Patriots ended the half with a 9-0 run to take a 36-14 lead into the break.

LeTourneau attempted to claw their way back into the game, getting buckets from Williams, junior Alexis Wighaman, and junior Jessica Manas, but the Patriots seemed to to take control right back and push their lead out to 25.

The Jackets fought hard, but in the end it would not be enough as Texas-Tyler took the 72-44 win to move into second place in the ASC East.

Green came off the bench and scored 11 points to lead the Jackets including three three pointers. Manas followed her up with eight points while Wighaman and Wililiams had six each. Freshman Ashley Stephens led all rebounders with six while Wighaman pitched in five.

LeTourneau will return to action on Saturday as they prepare for their Think Pink Game against East Texas Baptist. Tipoff is set for 1 p.m. and all fans are encouraged to wear pink to support Breast Cancer Awareness.