TYLER, Texas -- Hardin-Simmons' men's basketball team used a strong defensive effort to beat Texas-Tyler 68-47 on Thursday night in American Southwest Conference action at the Herrington Patriot Center in Tyler.

HSU limited the Patriots to 22 percent shooting in the first half and 14-of-58 (24.1 percent) in the game. The Cowboys also had 41 rebounds to 38 for UTT and forced 19 turnovers that turned into 23 points.

The Cowboys used an 8-0 run late in the first half to take a 29-18 lead and HSU eventually led 33-24 at halftime. HSU never trailed after the first possession of the game.

HSU quickly pushed the lead to 20 at 46-26 in the second half. UTT cut it to 58-47 with 4:30 to play. The Cowboys pushed it back out to secure the win.

Derrick Jefferson only played eight minutes in the first half because of two fouls but finished with 22 points in just 26 minutes. Nathaniel Jack had eight points and 13 rebounds and Justin Jones had nine points and nine rebounds.

Anthony Gonzales led the Patriots with 13 points and Tyler Jacobs had 10 points and 11 rebounds.

HSU is 5-0 on the year and 2-0 in league play and will conclude its five-game road trip on Saturday at Ozarks. UT-Tyler fell to 1-4 on the year and 0-2 in conference play.

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