The Sul Ross State University men's basketball team spoiled the home conference opener for LeTourneau University en route to a 72-56 win on Thursday in Longview.

The YellowJackets (1-5, 0-1 ASC) trailed for the entire contest despite a 12 point, six assist effort by junior Jeff Martin. LeTourneau sophomore Alec Colhoff added eight points and eight rebounds in the loss.
 
The Lobos (1-4, 1-0 ASC) had four players in double figures, including Caleb Thomasson, who came off the bench with a double double (14 points, 11 rebounds). Rocky Feliciano (13 points), Jacob Dawson (11 points) and Brock Anders (10 points) joined Thomasson in double figures. Sul Ross State started the game on a 9-0 run and never looked back. It was a solid all-around game for the visitors from Alpine, who made 52.7% (29-for-55) from the field and held the YellowJackets to 32.4% (23-for-71) shooting from the field.
 
With an 11-point halftime deficit, LeTourneau scored the first six points of the second 20 minutes to cut the deficit to 33-28 on a Martin layup. Then, after a SRSU basket, Martin again cut into the deficit with a 3-point play as the YellowJackets trailed 35-31 with 16:54 to go. The Lobos would answer with a lay-up and a 3 pointer to withstand the LETU rally. Three more times, LeTourneau would get as close as four in the final 20 minutes; however, each time the visitors would answer the challenge.
 
Next, LeTourneau will host Howard Payne on Saturday, Dec. 5 at 3 p.m. in Solheim Arena.