TYLER, TEXAS — The UT Tyler men's basketball team went toe-to-toe with No. 5 Lubbock Christian for all 40 minutes Thursday night inside the Herrington Patriot Center, but a late push by the visiting Chaparrals proved to be the difference as UT Tyler fell, 70–66, in a tightly contested Lone Star Conference showdown.
The Patriots matched LCU's physicality from the opening tip and erased an early deficit behind hot shooting from the perimeter. After Lubbock Christian opened the game on a 4–0 run, Sean Emfinger knocked down a three-pointer to put UT Tyler on the board and spark an early offensive rhythm. The teams traded baskets over the next several minutes as neither side led by more than seven points in the opening half.
UT Tyler continued to answer every LCU run, tying the game multiple times behind balanced scoring and strong interior play. John Barbee connected on a three-pointer at the 13:59 mark to pull the Patriots within one, while Xavier Williams and Hudson Anderson provided key buckets in transition to give UT Tyler its first lead at 17–16 with 12:44 remaining.
The back-and-forth nature continued late into the half as both teams leaned on defensive stops and second-chance opportunities. Sam Phipps made his presence felt on the glass, while Jacob Bell hit a crucial three-pointer late in the half to keep the Patriots within striking distance. UT Tyler closed the final seconds strong as Williams finished a fastbreak coast to coast layup at the buzzer, sending the game into halftime tied at 36–36.
Coming out of the break, neither team was able to create separation early. Emfinger opened the second half with a basket inside, and moments later drained a three to knot the game at 39–39. Lubbock Christian briefly regained the lead, but UT Tyler responded with a strong stretch that included steals, transition points, and a dunk from Phipps to give the Patriots a 50–46 advantage with 13:55 remaining.
The Patriots extended the lead to six points following free throws from Williams, capping a decisive run fueled by defensive pressure and efficient ball movement. LCU, however, countered with timely shooting, including multiple three-pointers to pull back within one possession midway through the half.
With under four minutes to play, UT Tyler and Lubbock Christian were tied once again at 63–63 after Barbee finished a layup off an assist from Emfinger. The final two minutes saw both teams exchange opportunities, but LCU converted at the free-throw line in the closing seconds to secure the four-point victory.
Sean Emfinger led all scorers with a game-high 20 points, knocking down four three-pointers while adding three steals and two assists in 29 minutes of action. John Barbee provided a strong spark off the bench, finishing with 14 points on 6-of-11 shooting, including a pair of three-pointers, while also contributing an assist and a rebound.
Xavier Williams finished in double figures with 10 points to go along with four rebounds, two assists, and a block, while Sam Phipps anchored the paint with a team-high 14 rebounds to pair with eight points. Phipps added two steals and a block in a complete all-around effort on the interior.
The Patriots will look to respond as they continue Lone Star Conference play with two consecutive top-25 road matchups, beginning Thursday at No. 16 West Texas A&M in Canyon, Texas.
