ETBU Hands Patriots Fourth Straight Heartbreaker
January 24, 2008

MARSHALL, Texas---The University of Texas at Tyler men’s basketball lost their fourth consecutive game on Thursday night in Marshall, 61-56, to East Texas Baptist.

The game was back and forth from the opening tip and saw 11 lead changes and 10 ties over the 40 minute span. Just seconds before halftime, the Patriots looked like they would take a two point lead into the locker room, but the Tigers had other ideas when junior Tokorra Cato (Homer, La.) drained a jumper as time expired. With a little over six minutes left, the Patriots were poised to end their three-game losing streak, holding a seven point lead over the Tigers. However, once again ETBU changed UT Tyler’s plans and went on an 11-0 run to end the game, giving the Tigers the five point win. Over the past four games, the Patriots have been defeated by a combined 13 points.

Seniors Brandon Weasby (Houston, Texas) and Patrick Branche (Houston, Texas) led the Patriots in scoring with 14 and 13, respectively. Senior Mike Smith (Etta, Miss.) led UT Tyler in rebounding with eight. Senior Nick Garrett (Zwolle, La) led East Texas with a game-high 16 points.

With the loss, the Patriots fall to 6-10 overall and 5-6 in the East Division of the American Southwest conference, while ETBU advances to 6-10 overall and 6-5 in ASC East play.

UT Tyler will take on LeTourneau on Saturday when they return to the Herrington Patriot Center for a 3 p.m. ASC East matchup.

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