Hot-Shooting LeTourneau Tops 'Roos

SHERMAN, Texas - LeTourneau University shot just under 59% from long distance as the Yellowjackets poured in 55 points before the break, and Austin College was unable to come all the way back as the 'Roos fell 99-84 on Saturday afternoon in Hughey Gym. The 'Roos are now 3-7 overall on the year.

LeTourneau knocked down 10-of-17 attempts from long distance in the first half, as well as 51.4% of their attempts overall as they built a 55-44 lead at the break. Austin College managed to hit just 33.3% from the field and only 3-of-11 from three, but the 'Roos used 12 offensive boards in the first half to create enough second chance opportunities to keep things within striking distance heading into halftime. 

Jackson Rennie drilled a pair of threes early in the second half to cut the margin to 57-50, and a Roman Strickland basket kept things close at 59-52 with 17:03 remaining. The Jackets pushed the margin back to double figures at 64-52, but Strickland knocked down a three to make it a 64-55 game. However, LeTourneau would go on a 14-2 run to surge ahead 78-57, and despite Austin College answering with a 9-0 run to make it 78-66 following a three from Strickland with 8:51 left, the 'Roos were never able to get it back to single digits the rest of the way.

Strickland finished with 27 points on 11-of-20 shooting, adding 11 rebounds and four assists. Rennie made 6-of-14 from beyond the arc on his way to 20 points while adding five rebounds, and Jason Jones had 13 points and 13 rebounds. Jaylyn Cleamons chipped in 12 points for Austin College, while Chase Antosca dished out seven assists while pulling down nine boards. Caedmon Liebengood led all scorers with 36 points for LeTourneau, while also grabbing 12 boards. Andrew Eberhardt added 25 points and five assists for the Yellowjackets.