PINEVILLE, Louisiana - The UT Tyler Women's Basketball team opened a weekend road trip with a matchup against Louisiana College on Thursday night. The Patriots improved to 9-5 after defeating the Wildcats 74-63. 

The Patriots fell behind early as LC opened a 9-2 advantage in the first quarter. The Patriots responded by tying the game at 14 before taking the lead for good with just under three minutes remaining. The Patriots would push their lead eight points early in the second quarter, holding that lead throughout much of the quarter. A late three from Carissa Spiker would give the Patriots an 11-point advantage at the half. 

The third quarter saw the Patriots and Wildcats combine to score 47 points. The third quarter would be the best offensive quarter for both teams. The Patriots put up 23 points while LC cut the lead to 10 after scoring 24 points. The fourth quarter of play saw UT Tyler push their lead back to 11 points, outscoring LC 15-14. 

BY THE NUMBERS:
The Patriots shot 45.1% from the field, sinking five shots from behind the arc. The bench contributed 21 points while the Patriots scored 34 points in the paint. Thursday's win was the Patriots ninth of the season and third straight. 

UT TYLER LEADERS:
The Patriots were led by a 27-point outing from Senior, Bianca Valderrama. The Senior played just 19 minutes, recording a season-high in points scored. Aubree Adams added 14 points, shooting 6-7 from the field and 2-3 from the line. Carissa Spiker picked up a double-double, scoring 10 points while hauling in 11 boards.