TYLER, TEXAS – UT Tyler used a dominant first-half surge and unshakable composure at the free throw line late to secure a 62-56 victory over Cameron University Thursday night inside the Herrington Patriot Center.
Cameron struck first with a quick 5-0 run, but the Patriots answered behind their interior presence. Sam Phipps ignited UT Tyler with a dunk in the paint, and a jumper from Sean Emfinger trimmed the early deficit. After falling behind 12-8 midway through the opening half, the Patriots strung together a 7-1 response sparked by defensive pressure and rebounding. Phipps converted at the rim and Chirs Carpenter added a pull up finish to pull UT Tyler ahead by one.
The momentum fully swung moments later during the game's defining stretch. John Barbee drilled a three-pointer to spark a 11-3 Patriots run that energized the home crowd. Cameron trimmed the margin with a late push, but Morgan steadied the Patriots with a paint jumper in the closing seconds of the half. Despite a Cameron three at the buzzer, UT Tyler carried a 36-27 lead into intermission after shooting efficiently and dominating the glass.
The second half opened with Cameron applying steady pressure. The Aggies pieced together an 8-2 run and gradually chipped away at the lead behind aggressive drives and second-chance opportunities. With just under five minutes remaining, Cameron completed the comeback to tie the contest at 50-50, setting up a tense final stretch.
UT Tyler responded with poise. Morgan delivered a crucial mid-range jumper and then followed his own miss for a tip-in, sparking a 6-0 Patriots run that restored separation. The Patriots leaned on their defense during the sequence, contesting shots and securing key rebounds to prevent Cameron from reclaiming momentum.
From there, the game was decided at the free throw line. UT Tyler was perfect in the second half, going 14-for-14 at the stripe over the final minutes. Barbee, Phipps, and Emfinger each knocked down pressure free throws to extend the lead, and the Patriots closed the game on a steady scoring stretch to seal the win. UT Tyler finished with a 40-38 rebounding edge, 17 points off turnovers, and 13 fastbreak points while consistently winning the battle for second-chance opportunities.
Morgan led all scorers with 22 points on 8-of-13 shooting and added five rebounds, including the go-ahead baskets late. Phipps posted a 12-point, 11-rebound double-double with three blocks to anchor the paint, and Emfinger contributed 11 points, six rebounds, and five assists. The Patriots will return home Saturday to face Oklahoma Christian for Shoot Your Shot Night.
