TYLER, TEXAS – UT Tyler held #7 Texas A&M-Commerce to just 34.9% shooting from the floor but were unable to hold off the attack from beyond the arc and from the free throw line as they fell by a score of 73-52.
 
It was the Lions running out to a 7-0 run to begin the game over the first 2:36 of play and a 13-3 run over the first 5:52 of the contest. The Patriots were able to close the gap in the final minutes of the quarter, going on a 9-6 run to make the score 19-12 after one period.
 
In the second quarter, the Patriots started on a 5-3 run thanks to a layup from Elli Emrich and a three pointer from Destini Whitehead to cut the lead down to five. The defense responded to the momentum shift by holding #7 Texas A&M-Commerce scoreless over the next 2:17 of gametime. Interchanging layups from Montse Gutierrez and Liah Davis gave the Patriots their only lead of the game at the 5:35 mark of the second quarter.
 
With the lead gone, the Lions ramped up the pressure on defense and on offense and went on a 9-4 run to end the period and claim the halftime lead 33-29. That second quarter was the best of the night for the Patriots as they shot 53.8% from the floor and added in a three pointer and two free throws.
 
In the third quarter UT Tyler continued to battle, not allowing the lead to reach double digits at any point in the first 6:53 of the period. Lovisa Hevinder knocked down a triple, and Davis and Gutierrez added in layups of their own to keep up the scoring for the Patriots. After a layup from Azaria Reed and a steal leading to a layup for Destini Whitehead, the lead was just eight points after three quarters.
 
In the first 2:49 of the final period, the only four points #7 Texas A&M-Commerce scored were by way of free throw, giving the Patriots offense the chance to get back into the contest. The offense, however, could not capitalize, scoring just two points. The offense went cold, going scoreless over the next 3:58 and allowing the Lions to extend the lead out to 18 points and putting the game in hand.
 
Three Patriots scored in double figures in the contest. Davis and Gutierrez each had 11 points and Hevinder added in 10.
 
Hevinder led the team in rebounds, with seven, and Davis chipped in an additional six.
 
Whitehead and Hevinder had a team-high four assists, and Whitehead also led in steals with four.
 
Following today's contest, the UT Tyler women's program will get a short break before taking on St. Mary's on Feb. 17. That game will tip off at 5 p.m. and will the resumption of LSC competition for the Patriots. Following the conclusion of the game against the Rattlers, UT Tyler will host St. Edwards on Feb. 19, with tip off scheduled for 2 p.m.