PORTALES, N.M. – UT Tyler men's basketball showed resilience throughout the night but came up short in an 80–70 road loss to Eastern New Mexico on Saturday. The Patriots weathered early runs, erased multiple deficits in both halves, and had the game within one possession late in the second half before the Greyhounds sealed the outcome at the free-throw line.
The opening minutes featured a defensive tone, with both teams trading misses before Eastern New Mexico struck first from beyond the arc. UT Tyler answered with a Xavier Williams three to even the score and briefly found rhythm offensively. The Greyhounds responded with an 7–2 run fueled by transition baskets and second-chance opportunities to take early control.
After Eastern New Mexico stretched the lead to eight midway through the first half, the Patriots answered with defensive pressure and fast-break points. Kyle Morgan knocked down a pair of free throws and John Barbee buried a three to tie the game at 10–10, sparking a momentum swing. UT Tyler continued to chip away, cutting the deficit to four late in the half behind strong ball movement and timely shooting.
Eastern New Mexico closed the half on a short run, but UT Tyler countered in the final seconds with a Morgan three-pointer, sending the teams into the break with the Greyhounds holding a 34–28 advantage.
The Patriots came out aggressive to open the second half, using pace and attacking the rim to ignite a 10–3 run. Williams scored six quick points and Sean Emfinger added a fast-break layup to pull UT Tyler within five. Moments later, Hudson Anderson finished consecutive possessions at the rim to trim the margin to three, forcing a Greyhound timeout.
Eastern New Mexico answered with a response of its own, converting inside and at the free-throw line to rebuild separation. Still, UT Tyler refused to fade. Midway through the half, Barbee sparked another surge, scoring seven straight points, including a three-pointer, to bring the Patriots within one at 55–54.
The game remained tight down the stretch as UT Tyler continued to trade baskets and pressure defensively. Emfinger's three-pointer with under four minutes to play again pulled the Patriots within four, but Eastern New Mexico countered with timely jumpers and free throws. In the final minute, the Greyhounds converted at the line to close out the 80–70 decision.
Emfinger led UT Tyler with 19 points on 6-of-9 shooting while adding seven rebounds. Barbee provided a strong spark off the bench with 16 points, while Williams finished with 11 points and four assists. Anderson added 10 points and seven rebounds as the Patriots shot 45.3 percent from the floor.
UT Tyler will look to bounce back as it continues Lone Star Conference road play next week against DBU.
