TYLER, TEXAS – UT Tyler battled back from a double-digit first half deficit and tied the game multiple times down the stretch, but ultimately fell 69-63 to Midwestern State at home Monday afternoon.

The Patriots found themselves playing from behind early as the Mustangs used an 12-0 run midway through the first half to build momentum. After UT Tyler knotted the game at 4-4 behind buckets from Sam Phipps and Hudson Anderson, Midwestern State responded with back-to-back three-pointers and a flurry of points in the paint to stretch the lead to 14-4.

UT Tyler chipped away behind timely shooting from Sean Emfinger, who knocked down a three-pointer to cut the deficit to single digit at the 12:13 mark. Despite trimming the margin to three at 16-13 following another Emfinger triple, the Mustangs answered with key second-chance opportunities and late free throws to take a 36-26 lead into the break.

The Patriots came out of halftime with renewed energy. Noah Suarjaya sparked the comeback with an early jumper and three-pointer, and Xavier Williams followed with a mid-range bucket to bring UT Tyler within three. After forcing several turnovers, the Patriots continued to push the pace in transition. A fastbreak layup from Emfinger and a strong finish insided cut the deficit to one possession multiple times.

UT Tyler eventually tied the contest at 48-48 on a three-pointer from John Barbee midway through the second half. The teams traded baskets over the next several minutes, with Barbee scoring inside and Jacob Bell knocking down a clutch three-pointer to give the Patriots a brief 55-53 advantage.

With just over four minutes remaining, Barbee electrified the bench with a fastbreak dunk to put UT Tyler up 61-58. However, Midwestern State responded with a three-pointer on the ensuing possession and capitalized at the free throw line in the final minute to seal the victory.

Emfinger led the Patriots with 19 points on 7-of-15 shooting, including three made three-pointers, while adding six rebounds and three steals. Williams and Anderson each contributed eight points, and Phipps recorded a team-high 11 rebounds to go along with seven points. UT Tyler shot 48.5 percent in the second half and finished with 36 points in the paint and 12 fastbreak points in the contest.

The Patriots will stay home Thursday night to host Cameron for Blue Out Night inside the Herrington Patriot Center.