The loss, TLU’s first American Southwest Conference setback of the season, brings the Bulldogs to 3-3 overall and to 2-1 in the ASC.
UT-Tyler improved to 2-3 overall and to 2-1 in the ASC.
In Tyler, Tommy Stolhandske led Texas Lutheran with 25 points and seven rebounds, but he missed two free throws in the final minute with TLU trailing 72-70.
The Patriots made two out of their final four free throw attempts and withstood two late TLU possessions. Trailing 74-70 with 30 seconds to play, the Bulldogs turned the ball over and missed a three-pointer.
Mike Ekanem came off the bench for Texas Lutheran and poured in 18 points.
UT-Tyler shot 55 percent from the floor to withstand TLU’s 54 percent shooting night. The Patriots also out-rebounded the Bulldogs (27-23) and committed one less turnover (15-16).
The Bulldogs also missed 10 free throws, going 20-of-30 from the foul line.
Texas Lutheran returns to American Southwest Conference action Monday with a home game against Schreiner. Game time in TLU’s Memorial Gymnasium is 7:30 p.m.