The YellowJackets (1-0) jumped out to a 33-22 halftime lead behind a strong defensive performance that limited the Eagles to just 7-of-22 shooting in the half. In the second half, Rhema’s Adrian Cook got hot and scored 19 second half points and pulled the Eagles to within one point of the Jackets late in the game. After first year head coach Bob Davis called time out for the Jackets, the team put on a spurt and took home the win.
LeTourneau had four players score in double figures with sophomore guard Jay Burnett and freshman guard Dewones Smith Each scoring 13 points. Last season’s leading scorer, senior Travis Bankett, added 12 points while freshman center Dusty Evers pumped in 11 points in his first collegiate game. Cook led Rhema with a game-high 23 points while Randy Hill and Jacquari Wills added 16 and 11 points, respectively.
The YellowJackets open their home schedule on Saturday against American Southwest Conference rival Texas Lutheran University at 7:30 in the Solheim Arena.