Patriots Fall in Third Straight Close Call
January 19, 2008

On Saturday afternoon, the University of Texas at Tyler men’s basketball team lost its third straight game that was decided by just one basket. Mississippi College topped UT Tyler, 60-57, at the Herrington Patriot Center in an American South Conference - East matchup. The Patriots have lost their last three games by a combined eight points.

Despite only leading twice in the game, UT Tyler was able to keep it close throughout and placed itself in a position to win or tie at the end. Choctaw senior Jonathan Collins (Dallas, Texas) hit two 3-pointers in the final three minutes of the contest that proved to be the difference maker in the game. In the game’s final half minute, Patriot junior Anthony Reese (Longview, Texas) would try to duplicate Collins’ effort by launching two threes of his own. Reese made his first three and was able to take the final shot of the game thanks to a Mississippi College miss and a rebound by senior Patrick Branche (Houston, Texas). However, the last shot would not fall for Reese and the UT Tyler lost its third game in a row.

Reese led all scorers in the game with 19 points, while Branche and fellow senior Mike Smith (Etta, Miss.) followed with 10 each for the Patriots. Smith also led UT Tyler in rebounds with a game-high of six. Senior Prince Trotter led Mississippi College (Shubuta, Miss.) with 15 points.

With the loss the Patriots fall to 6-9 on the year and 5-5 in ASCE play, while Mississippi College improves to 11-3 overall and 8-2 in conference action. The Choctaws remain undefeated against UT Tyler.

The Patriots will hit the road and travel to Marshall, Texas on Thursday, when they take on East Texas Baptist at 7:30 p.m.

Athletics Home Page