LeTourneau University men's basketball freshman Jared Hunter (pictured above) scored a season-high and game-high 22 points in a 72-59 loss to host Hardin-Simmons University on Thursday night in Abilene.
 
The Cowboys (11-1, 7-0  ASC) went on a seven-point spurt over a 1:19 span early in the first half to take the lead for the rest of the contest. The YellowJackets failed to concede and rallied to cut the deficit to as little as two, later in the half. HSU capitalized on its height advantage and landed four in double figures including a double double performance from 6'9 sophomore Justin S. Jones, who had 16 points and 14 rebounds in the win. He was joined in double digits by Christian O'Neal (13 points), Nathaniel Jack (12 points) and Derrick Jefferson (10 points).
 
The YellowJackets (4-8, 2-5 ASC) began the second half with a 3-pointer by Hunter that cut the deficit to its closest margin - seven, 36-29. Despite the height advantage of the Cowboys, LETU senior Giovanny Thompson (pictued below) had a strong game on the inside with 18 points (12 of which came in the first half) and fellow forward freshman Kelby Schimming had six points and eight rebounds. An aggressive LeTourneau defense held the Cowboys to 40.4% (21 of 52) shooting – its third lowest effort on the season.
 

Early in the second half, HSU went on an 11-4 run that put the host Cowboys ahead 49-33 with 13:16 to play in the contest. LeTourneau answered and managed to trim the deficit to 10 on three occasions. Hunter scored 17 of his 22 points in the second 20 minutes was a key factor for the visitors. HSU outscored LETU by three, 36-33, in the second half and the YellowJacket defense forced nine Cowboys' turnovers.
 
The YellowJackets will wrap up its six-game road trip with a contest on Saturday, Jan. 10 at 3 p.m. against UT Dallas in Richardson.