DENVER, CO. – The UT Tyler Men's Basketball program tipped off their 2026-27 season with a 75-62 win over Regis University in the opening game of the South Central Regional Challenge. The Patriots defense dominated as they turned 20 Regis turnovers into 26 points while adding 12 steals and seven blocks.
The Patriots took control early going on a 11-4 run capped by Garrett Nuckolls' 3-pointer five minutes into the game. The Patriots kept building through their defense and work on the glass, getting early blocks from Heath Tenner and Garrett Falls before stretching the advantage to 23-6 with 12 and half minutes left.
Regis cut the gap to just four points after a solid scoring stretch that saw the Rangers knock down four three pointers. However, the UT Tyler were able to weather the storm as they answered with a Femi Olaniyan layup and a Nuckolls 3-pointer to move back ahead 33-24. Olaniyan later added a steal and two free throws, as the Patriots finished the half with a 35-30 lead into halftime. They lead by as much as 17 in the first half.
The Patriots broke open the second half with their defensive pressure, turning a 38-37 edge into a 19 point lead as the Patriots later held Regis scoreless across eight straight possessions while forcing six consecutive turnovers. The Patriots turned that defense into 19 points and 11 fast-break points in the half, with Jameel Wesley II adding a 3-pointer and transition layup during the 11-0 stretch that made it 58-39.
The Rangers tried to mount a comeback late in the second half but UT Tyler was able to match their offensive success with baskets from Falls and Wesley II before Olaniyan's 3-pointer with 1:28 left pushed the score to 73-58. The Patriots shot 50% from the field in the half while taking advantage of their chances at the free throw line hitting seven of their eight attempts to closed out a 75-62 win.
Nuckolls shined in his first game back for his hometown team as he scored game-high 25 points, with five 3-pointers and five steals. Femi Olaniyan finished second on the Patriots with 18 points, knocking down two 3-pointers and adding two steals. Alex Bossinakis collected five rebounds and was a key part of the defensive success that UT Tyler saw with his effort and energy. Falls and Wesley II both added double digit scoring efforts as the former grabbed seven rebounds. Wesley II came away with four assists in the opening game.
Up next for the Patriots is Westminster Saturday at 5 p.m, as UT Tyler heads back at Regis Field House in a neutral site matchup.
