LONGVIEW, Texas - The Austin College men's basketball team led for much of the first half, but a big second half for LeTourneau led to a 108-69 loss for the 'Roos on Tuesday night. The 'Roos are now 2-3 overall on the year.
Justice Mercadel paced the 'Roos with 22 points on 8-of-13 shooting, also knocking down 3-of-4 from long distance. Kam Hogan joined Mercadel in double figures with 10 points, while Michael Holland came up just shy of a double-double with eight points and eight boards. JP Feider chipped in nine points for Austin College, as the 'Roos shot nearly 47% from the field in the first half but just 36.4% after the break.
Austin College led by as many as seven points midway through the first half, with Devin Roland's bucket making it a 28-21 game, and held the lead until four minutes were left before halftime. After LeTourneau pulled ahead 39-37, the Yellow Jackets closed the half with a 9-2 run to go into the break leading 48-39. The run continued into the second half, with the margin quickly growing to 57-41 and LeTourneau would never look back from there. A three pointer for the Jackets made it 69-43, completing a 30-6 run to put the game out of reach.
The 'Roos are off until November 30, when they host Millsaps in Hughey Gym with tip-time set for 8:00 p.m.