The Crusaders led just 31-29 at halftime after leading by as many as eight points in the period. UMHB then held the Yellow Jackets to just 14 second-half points on 19 per cent shooting from the field. The Crusaders hit 61 per cent from the field in the second half and held LeTourneau to 1-12 shooting from three-point range. The Yellow Jackets closed to 39-34 with 16:11 left in the game, but UMHB then went on a 16-0 run and a 26-2 surge to take control of the game.
Brandon Gatlin led five UMHB players in double figures with 19 points and he added six rebounds and five assists. Kevin Guyden had 15 points on 6-8 shooting for UMHB, Ryan Burgart scored 12 points off the bench and Patrick Oliver and Chris Poole chipped in with 10 points apiece for the Cru. No LeTourneau player reached double figures and Travis Bankett led the Yellow Jackets with nine points. The Cru out rebounded LeTourneau 41-31 and forced 21 turnovers in the win.
The Crusaders will open ASC West Division play on Tuesday night. The UMHB men travel to Austin to take on Concordia University in a 7:30 PM tip-off.