UT Dallas outscored LeTourneau by a 26-7 margin in the final 10 minutes of the first en route to an 81-50 win in men's basketball action on Thursday night in Longview.

The Comets (16-6, 11-6 ASC) controlled the first half, shooting 43.8% (14-for-32) from the field for a 40-18 first half lead. 16 of the 40 points came from Kyle Coulter, who was a perfect 6-for-6 from the floor and 2-for-2 from the free-throw line. Coulter finished the night with 18 points and was joined in double figures by Rafael Farley (22 points) and Matthew Medell (10 points).
 
The YellowJackets (5-17, 3-14 ASC) were led by freshman Kelby Schimming and Sam Talbert, who had 14 and 13 points, respectively. Schimming led LETU on the boards with seven in the loss.
 
"Tonight proved to be very tough matchup for us," said LETU head men's basketball coach Dan Miller. The Comets entered the contest, following the first NCAA Division III West Regional rankings at the No. 7 spot.
An 11-3 run by LeTourneau to start the second half cut the deficit to 15, 44-29, with 16:36 to play. UT Dallas answered with a 14-1 run to end the comeback efforts by the YellowJackets.

"We need to keep grinding and keep fighting to try to reach that goal of the conference tournament in year one," said Miller
 
The YellowJackets will close out the home portion of its season on Saturday with a doubleheader against Hardin-Simmons. Earlier this year, LETU dropped a 72-59 decision in Abilene on Jan. 8. Before the contest, LeTourneau will recognize its two seniors – Aaron Frizell and  Josh Thornton for their contributions to the program, both on and off the court.