LONGVIEW, Texas – University of Mary Hardin-Baylor men's basketball took a 92-85 loss against LeTourneau Thursday night in Longview. This loss moves the Cru's record to 0-2 on the season, while the YellowJackets open at 1-0.
Elijah Lawrence put the first points on the board, hitting a three-pointer just seconds into the contest. Each side took turns holding the lead, until UMHB cruised ahead 13-8, highlighted by two Hudson Johnson threes. The YellowJackets responded, cutting the Cru's lead to 28-25, but a layup from Connor Zamiara gave UMHB a five-point margin with 8:49 left in the first half. Cam Stinson and Jonathan Leggett added threes on back-to-back possessions to make it a 36-28 game. UMHB held the lead for the remainder of the half, closing out the frame with a score of 51-40, sealed by a Daniel Hutson three-pointer.
LeTourneau opened the second half with five points straight to cut the Cru's lead to 53-47. Zach Engels added a layup followed by a Zamiara jumper to give the Cru a ten-point lead. With 7:40 left the play, the YellowJackets cut the deficit to 71-70. LeTourneau earned an 83-78 lead with 3:32 remaining, but Hudson Johnson answered with four free throws made, followed by a three-pointer to move the score to 86-85 in the YellowJackets' favor. LeTourneau continued their scoring streak, taking a 90-85 lead with 0:10 remaining in the game. The YellowJackets sealed a 92-85 win, closing out with two free throws.
Hudson Johnson was the leading scorer for the Cru, putting up 21 points, along with five assists, three rebounds, and a steal. Zach Engels followed, adding 19 points with six boards. Connor Zamiara led in rebounds adding eight of his own.
UMHB returns to action in Belton on Saturday, November 22nd in a 3:00pm contest against Belhaven.
