TYLER, Texas — Hardin-Simmons' men's basketball team opened American Southwest Conference action with a 90-75 win at Texas-Tyler on Saturday afternoon at the Herrington Patriot Center in Tyler.

The game did not start well for the Cowboys as UT-Tyler jumped to a 7-0 lead, but HSU quickly responded with a 16-2 run and never trailed again. In that run, it was the Cowboy veterans that took over. Casey Riddle had seven points and Aaron Thornton had a jumper and a dunk. Newcomer Matt Addison added a basket and freshman Derrick Jefferson capped the run with a 3-pointer.

HSU led 16-13 and then hit another run. This time it was a 23-5 run to give HSU a 39-18 lead with 5:17 to play in the first half. In the run, Addison had eight points, Riddle six and Thornton six. Jim Walter added a 3-pointer and Terrence Booker added a layup.

The Cowboys led 49-34 at the break. However, the Cowboys got in early foul trouble in the second half and the Patriots where in the bonus just three minutes into the second half. In all UTT shot hit 23-of-32 free throws in the second half and for the game shot 48 free throws. HSU did hit 27-of-35 at the free throw line.

HSU overcame the early Tyler push and had the lead out to 22 at 66-44. UTT tried to cut the deficit the rest of the way and got it to as close as nine at 83-74 with 2:13 to play, but HSU put the game away.

Addison led the Cowboys with 24 points and Riddle had 19. Thornton added 11 points. Brandon Lavine was the only player in double figures and he scored a game-high 32.

HSU is now 2-1 on the year and 1-0 in ASC action. UTT fell to 1-4 overall and 0-1 in league action. HSU plays at LeTourneau at 7:30 p.m. on Monday.

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