LONGVIEW - In front of a hot crowd at Solheim Arena, the LeTourneau YellowJackets went head up with the Texas-Tyler Patriots on Thursday evening in the Blue Out Game. In a back-and-forth battle, the Patriots outlasted the Jackets to take a 62-59 home win and clinch their spot in the ASC Tournament.

Nerves were high early on as neither team made a basket in the first three minutes. Texas-Tyler (17-6, 12-5 ASC) finally got a three to fall, but junior Justin Jones repsonded with a layup to make it a 3-2 game.

After another three from the Patriots, LeTourneau (9-13, 8-8 ASC) got back-to-back layups from Jones and junior Chad Williams to tie it all up at six.

Texas-Tyler got their lead to 10-7, but sophomore Paul All hit his next three shots to tie the game at 13 at the 9:53 mark. C. Williams then responded with a layup to give LeTourneau its first lead at 15-13.

The Patriots took the lead back and pushed it to 18-15, but senior Christian Driver took took a pass from All on a beautiful cut to make it a one point game. All then responded with two more jumpers to put the Jackets back on top 21-20.

Texas-Tyler again responded by taking the lead and pushing it out to 24-21, but C. Williams finished the half with four points to send the Jackets into the break with a 25-24 lead.

The Patriots came out hot in the second half, outscoring LeTourneau 12-4 to take a 36-29 advantage at the media timeout and then extended it out to 39-30.

Jones then responded with a three followed by a free throw and Driver executed another layup to cut the deficit to four. However, as the Patriots seemed to do all throughout the second half, they were able to increase their lead back out to eight.

The Jackets again fought back as they got within three with under six minutes to go, but a furious run from the Patriots pushed their lead out to 54-44 with 3:37 left.

However, LeTourneau got to the free throw line and attack Texas-Tyler hard to make one final push for the win. A three pointer by senior Deitrich Williams made it a 56-54 game with 37 seconds to go. The Patriots exchanged perfect free throws for layups by LeTourneau, but a three by freshman Ladaria Brown made it a 60-59 score with four seconds left.

After two made free throws, the Patriots were able to steal the inbounds pass and run out the clock for the victory.

Jones led the way with a double-double, scoring 14 points and pulling down 14 boards. C. Williams and D. Williams chipped in 12 points each while All was 5-for-6 off the bench for 10 points. 

The Jackets continue to hang on to fourth place, but Louisiana College is only a half game behind LeTourneau. LeTourneau shot 37% from the field, 25% from behind the arch, and a tough 48% from the free throw line. Both teams had 11 turnovers and the Jackets won the rebounding battle, 43-34.

It will be a must win for LeTourneau on Saturday as they welcome in the East Texas Baptist Tigers for Senior Day. Come watch Deitrich Williams, Cristian Driver, and Kendrae Carter in their final home game at Solheim Arena. Tipoff is set for 3 p.m. and can be seen live on the Pack Network.