The YellowJackets (6-3, 4-3) and Crusaders (4-3, 3-3) played a nip and tuck battle that featured 14 ties, 19 lead changes and no lead greater than seven points on either side. For the second straight game, it was the LETU defense that came up big allowing just four points in the last five minutes of the game. Free throws by Rockmore and freshman Jesse Hayes in the last 16 seconds of the game sealed the victory.
In the first half, the both teams shot the ball well from the field and LeTourneau’s two big guns, sophomore Dusty Evers and junior Jayme Bradley, combined for 23 points to give the Jackets a 39-35 half time lead.
In the second half, Rockmore and sophomore Dewones Smith took over the offense for the Jackets. Rockmore was a perfect 6-for-6 from the field and added three free throws, all in the second half while Smith added nine points, including two three-pointers. Rockmore finished the game with a career high 18 points to go along with four rebounds, four assists and three steals. Smith was the team’s second leading scorer with 17 points.
The Crusaders were led by their superstar guard Kevin Guyden who scored a game high 29 points while dishing out five assists. Matt Dickey was the only other Crusader in double figures with 10 points and a game high nine rebounds. UMHB controlled the glass with a 36-28 rebounding advantage, but they were forced into 23 turnovers by the tough LeTourneau defense.
The win gives the Jackets their best start since they began the 1985-86 season 6-3 as well. LeTourneau is now riding a three game conference winning streak.
LeTourneau is in action December 29 at Austin College at 7:30. The game will be available to watch via archived web cast at www.summitticket.com.