LONGVIEW, Texas -- LeTourneau wrapped up the home season with a win over Sul Ross, closing them out 78-68 on Saturday.
With the win, the LeTourneau (11-12, 8-8 ASC) clinched a postseason tournament spot. The top six teams from the conference will participate in the postseason tournament set to start a week from Tuesday.
The game began first after celebrating four seniors who have contributed much to the LeTourneau basketball program.
Warren Richardson,
Jordan Pride,
Ian Schafer, and
Rashard Johnson all started as it was their last game at Solheim Arena.
Schafer took the time to put up career-high points, scoring 13 to go along with three steals. Richardson also showed up as he scored 19 and was two rebounds away from a double-double with eight.
Sul Ross (6-18, 3-14 ASC) jumped out to a fast start as they took the lead and led by five. LeTourneau answered quickly as
Deonte Jackson put up five to make it just a two-point game.
The YellowJackets took the lead with a Richardson 3-pointer, with an assist from
Christian Adams.
LeTourneau built the lead to nine, 23-14 before the third media timeout with just 7:40 left to play in the first period. Pride went on to extend the lead to 13 with a layup and assist from Jackson.
The YellowJackets led by 10 going into the locker room, 36-26, with Jackson and
Walker Blaine both scoring 11 first-half points.
Schafer kept up the scoring with a 3-pointer off an assist from
John Argue.
The YellowJackets sustained a double-digit lead for most of the second half until the last three minutes where a Lobo's 3-pointer from the hands of Gabe Sanchez put them within seven. LeTourneau fended off the last-minute attack with a Schafer layup and eight made free throws.
Jackson finished the day with 21 points, seven assists, and five boards. Blaine ended the evening with 16 points and nine rebounds.
UP NEXT
LeTourneau will hit the road as they will face UT Dallas on Thursday night.
