ODESSA, TEXAS - The UT Tyler Patriots earned their first win of the new year with an emphatic 83–58 Lone Star Conference victory over UT Permian Basin on Sunday afternoon, using a dominant defensive effort and an explosive second half to pull away from the Falcons. After taking a 44–38 lead into halftime, the Patriots controlled the game on both ends of the floor, holding Permian Basin to just 20 second-half points while extending the margin to as many as 27.
UT Tyler struck first as Gregory Fowlds knocked down a three-pointer less than 20 seconds into the game to set the tone early. The Falcons responded with perimeter shooting of their own, keeping the score tight through the opening minutes. Fowlds continued to attack in transition with a fast-break layup, while Xavier Williams facilitated the offense with early assists and defensive rebounds. Despite UT Tyler's presence inside, Permian Basin stayed close behind a trio of first-half three-pointers and briefly took the lead midway through the period.
The Patriots answered with an extended run fueled by defense and transition offense. Sean Emfinger converted at the free-throw line before Sam Phipps and Hudson Anderson finished strong at the rim to swing momentum back in UT Tyler's favor. A series of steals and fast-break buckets, including finishes by Emfinger and Williams, pushed the Patriots ahead by as many as seven. UT Tyler continued to control the paint, with John Barbee providing energy off the bench through dunks and putbacks, while Kyle Morgan buried a fast-break three late in the half to extend the advantage. The Patriots closed the opening 20 minutes strong, entering halftime with a 44–38 lead after forcing multiple late turnovers.
UT Tyler wasted little time creating separation in the second half. Phipps opened the period with a dunk before Morgan followed with a jumper, igniting an early run that quickly pushed the lead into double figures. Williams added a fast-break layup off a block, while Emfinger continued to attack downhill and convert multiple finishes in the paint. The Patriots' defense tightened significantly, forcing empty possessions and limiting Permian Basin's opportunities from beyond the arc.
Midway through the half, UT Tyler put the game firmly out of reach. Emfinger knocked down free throws and scored on consecutive possessions inside, while Anderson and Barbee capitalized on transition opportunities created by steals. Williams connected on a three-pointer to extend the lead past 20, and Morgan added another triple moments later. UT Tyler continued to dominate the glass and contest shots, allowing only sporadic scoring from the Falcons over long stretches.
The Patriots closed the game with poise, maintaining defensive pressure and spreading the scoring across the lineup. Barbee capped the scoring run with a tip-in, while Spencer Gaze added a late free throw as UT Tyler secured the 25-point win. Emfinger led the Patriots with 19 points and five assists, while Phipps, Morgan, Barbee, and Anderson also scored in double figures. The victory marked UT Tyler's first win of the new year and in Lone Star Conference play, as the Patriots will look to keep the momentum rolling when they host Western New Mexico on Thursday night for Rep the Rose Night.
