TYLER, Tex.--University of Texas at Tyler Men's Basketball (8-16) fell to Belhaven University (9-15) Thursday evening in the Patriot Center by a score of 87-74.  

The Patriots jumped out to an early 4-0 lead in the opening minute of action courtesy of two layups by junior guard Jared Jenkins (Irving, Texas). There would only be a single score over the next four minutes leading to the first media break with Belhaven knocking down a three to take a 6-4 advantage.  

Each team traded baskets and the lead over the final 15 minutes of action in the first period before the Blazers took a two-point lead into the halftime intermission, 37-35. Seven of the eight UT Tyler players that saw action in the first half put points on the board led by Jenkins with seven. Junior guard Tyrick Bennett (Dallas, Texas) chipped in six points while three other Patriots tallied five.  

UT Tyler was able to keep it close to begin the first half, but the Blazers pushed their lead to double figures with six minutes remaining. From there, both teams would again trade baskets with the Belhaven lead reaching as high as 13 and as low as 9 over the final five minutes of the game. Despite the Patriots shooting 17-of-21 from the charity stripe in the second half, Belhaven managed to hold on for an 87-74 victory.  

Freshman guard Darius Alford (Houston, Texas) finished the game as the Patriots' leading scorer with 19 points after going 11-14 from the free throw line. He also contributed five rebounds to the team total of 22. Three more scored in double figures for UT Tyler including freshman guard Chris Craig (Denton, Texas) who had 13 points to go along with his seven rebounds and three steals. Bennet finished the night with 11 points while junior guard Corbin Stephens (Austin, Texas) added 10 points. 

The Patriots' season will come to an end on Saturday when they Louisiana College for the final contest of the regular season at 1 p.m. UT Tyler will also honor their lone senior Cam Frank, who has served as an assistant coach this season.