Feb. 29, 2008

Final Stats

BELTON, Texas - Survive and advance is the mantra for teams in postseason play and the Hardin-Simmons men's basketball team just did that with a 65-55 win over Texas-Tyler in the quarterfinals of the American Southwest Conference Tournament Friday evening in Belton.

The Cowboys led 28-22 at halftime. UTT scored the first five points of the game, but HSU responded with a 9-0 run and never trailed after that. For most of the remainder of the game the lead was between five and 12 points for the Cowboys.

UT-Tyler made a late run after Mardochee Jean fouled out at the 3:26 mark. The Patriots cut the deficit to 60-55 with 1:51 to play. HSU got a big 3-point play from Charlie Pannell with :38 to play.

HSU shot 43.5 percent in the game and limited the Patriots to 32 percent shooting in the game.

The Cowboys received great balance with six players scoring between seven and 13 points. Dan Jean lead the Cowboys with 13 points off the bench. Pannell had 11 Mardochee Jean had 10 points and seven rebounds.

Patrick Branche let the Patriots with 14 points and nine rebounds.

HSU improved to 15-11 on the year and UTT closed its season with a record of 14-12.

The Cowboys will play the winner of Mary Hardin-Baylor and East Texas Baptist on Saturday at 4 p.m. The game can be heard on 1470-AM in Abilene or on the Internet at www.hsuathletics.com.