LONGVIEW, Texas -- The Millsaps College men's basketball team hit the road on Saturday afternoon for the first game after a nine-day holiday break. The Majors traveled to Texas to take on the Yellowjackets of LeTourneau University. 

LETU led wire to wire in the contest as they were able to hand the Majors their third loss of the season by a final score of 85-72. 

How It Happened

The Yellowjackets jumped out to an 8-0 lead early on in the first half, but less than 9 minutes into the half the Majors were able to cut it down to two-point deficit on a three-pointer from Saxton Becker. It was an 18-16 game with 11:15 left to play in the first half. 

The two teams traded baskets back and forth for most of the rest of the half, but LETU closed the period by outscoring Millsaps 10-4 over the final 2:51 to take a 45-36 lead to the halftime locker room. 

Matt Owens led the Majors with 8 points in the first half. Ryan McLaurin added 7 points, including 4-4 from the free throw line. 

Millsaps opened up the second half with a three-pointer from She'Chem Grant to cut it down to 6 points, but unfortunately the Yellowjackets made good on back-to-back three pointers in between a jumper from Buck Blanz to push their lead out to 10 points. 

The Majors fought back, and with 12:02 left to play cut it to a one possession game on a layup by Owens, but that was as close as Millsaps would get. LeTourneau was able to hold off each comeback attempt and close the game the stretch to come away with the 85-72 win. 

Key Contributors

Michael Sullivan finished as the leading scorer for Millsaps with 14 points. He added 5 assists and finished just one rebound shy of a double-double. Justin Van Pelt added 12 points, and pulled down a team-high 11 rebounds to finish with a double-double. Owens' 10 points made him the only other Major in double-digits. 

What's Next?

The Majors are back home next week as they open SAA play on New Year's Day against Birmingham Southern. Tuesday's tip-off from the Hangar Dome is set for 3:00pm.