HSU jumped to a 9-point first half lead, but the Yellowjackets recovered to take a 37-33 halftime lead. In the second half the Cowboys moved out to a 13-point lead, before LU closed it to three at 72-69, but HSU was clutch down the stretch on the defensive end and at the free throw line going 6-for-6 in the final two minutes.
Sophomore center Donald Rohde scored a career-best 20 points and hauled down eight rebounds. Calvin Nite added 18 for the Cowboys.
Travis Bankett and Jonathan Collins had 15 each for the Yellowjackets.
Hardin-Simmons moved to 4-2 overall and 2-1 in ASC play. LeTourneau fell to 2-3 overall and 1-2 in league play. HSU plays at East Texas Baptist on Saturday at 3 p.m.