ABILENE, Texas – Hardin-Simmons' men's basketball team rallied to force overtime for the second straight game but fell 97-86 to LeTourneau on Saturday afternoon at the Mabee Complex.

LeTourneau jumped out to an early 24-13 lead in the first half. HSU rallied back and freshman Anthony Hunter stepped in to make three straight 3-pointers to cut the deficit to 31-29 with 1:34 to play in the half. LeTourneau responded with a quick 8-0 run to end the half. Nate West's buzzer-beater gave the Yellowjackets a 39-29 halftime lead.

In the second half, LeTourneau again pushed the lead out to 73-57 with 5:24 to play but the Cowboys battled back. Kyle Brennon and Chris Barrett each had eight points in the run to get the game tied at 77 on a pair of free throws by Brennon. West held for a buzzer-beating win but the shot rimmed out.

In the overtime, LeTourneau scored 20 points and hit 11-of-12 at the foul line to take the win.

Brennon led the Cowboys with 24 points. Barrett had 12 points, seven rebounds, seven steals and four assists. Steven Quinn added 11 points and Keenan Holdman scored 10.

John Argue had 28 points in the game for LeTourneau and West had 26 points, eight rebounds and six assists.

HSU is now 4-8 overall and 0-3 in American Southwest Conference action. LeTourneau improved to 8-3 overall and 1-1 in league play. The Cowboys are next in action on Thursday against Sul Ross State, who is the first place team in the ASC West.   

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