TYLER, TEXAS – The Patriots defense hung tough in the game, forcing 14 turnovers, but hot shooting from the Chaps proved to be too much as #4 Lubbock Christian won by a score of 57-37.
 
After the first 5:02 of the ballgame, UT Tyler was up 9-8 after a pair of big three pointers from Lovisa Hevinder and a layup from Liah Davis. However, that hot start faded, as the Chaps held the Patriots scoreless for the last 4:58 of the first period.
 
Ashton Duncan of #4 Lubbock Christian knocked down four three pointers and scored 12 of the Chaps 17 first quarter points.
 
In the second quarter, both teams struggled to open up the scoring in the first few minutes. Just one shot was made between the two teams after the first 2:25 of the period. Destini Whitehead nailed a jumper in the paint and knocked the deficit back down to 10.
 
That was as close as the lead got in the second quarter, as the Chaps closed out the final 7:35 of the first half on a 12-8 run. Hevinder was able to knock down another pair of three pointers and Martina Machalova added in a jumper to bring the halftime score to 32-18.
 
A Davis layup just 11 seconds into the second half proved to be the only points for either team until another layup from Davis at the 5:40 mark of the third quarter. The Patriots held the Chaps scoreless for the first 5:06 of the second half but were unable to cut down the deficit to less than 10.
 
UT Tyler opened up the fourth quarter on a 9-4 run through the first 4:06 in the period. A free throw from Elli Emrich and a layup from Azaria Reed led to a big and-one for Destini Whitehead. That momentum led right into Davis knocking down her first three pointer of the season and bringing the lead down to 13.
 
Another Davis layup cut the lead to 14 with 2:40 left in the game, but hot shooting from #4 Lubbock Christian put the game out of reach once and for all.
 
Hevinder continues to shoot well inside the Herrington Patriot Center. After a 4-for-8 performance from beyond the arc tonight, she is now 19-for-29 over the last three home games. That raises her season average up to 45.6%.
 
Hevinder led the way with 12 points for UT Tyler. Davis added in 11 to be the two double digit scorers on the night.
 
Hevinder and Davis each grabbed a team high six rebounds on the night.
 
Kelsey Crouse added in a team high three assists.
 
Machalova and Reed each came up with a pair of steals to lead the team on the evening.
 
Next on tap for UT Tyler is a two game road trip beginning with the short drive to Commerce, Texas to take on #6 Texas A&M-Commerce. That game is scheduled for a 5:30 tip on Jan. 18.
 
After Tuesday's contest, the Patriots will head west all the way out to Silver City, New Mexico to take on Western New Mexico. That game will take place on Jan. 22 and is scheduled for a 3 p.m. tipoff.