Comets Hold Off 'Roos To Improve To 5-1

UTD Withstands 10-Day Layoff, Austin College 3-Pointers For 82-72 Win

SHERMAN, TX - The UTD men's basketball team won its fifth straight game Thursday night, returning to the court after a 10-day layoff; but the 82-72 road victory over Austin College wasn't as easy as the Comets planned.

UTD improved to 5-1 behind a 57 percent shooting night which included four players in double figures. But the Comets needed all that offense to overcome a Kangaroo team that nailed 15 three-point shots and cut a 24-point deficit down to just five points late in the game.

Freshman Jimmy Witten (pictured) led the Comets with a 19-point, eight-rebound night while Ernie Lowery added 17 points and Jordan Eppink and Scott Rodgers contributed 12 apiece.

UTD raced out to a 44-29 halftime advantage, but AC stayed close with 21 points coming from beyond the arch in the first period. The Comets came out gunning after the break and stretched the lead up to 24 (55-31) at 17:12 following a couple of Jared Fleming baskets. But the 'Roos battled back, going on a furious 36-17 run that pulled them to within five (72-67) with three minutes still to play. Jordan Eppink and Lowery put some space back in the lead over the next minute, both nailing crucial free throws after AC resorted to fouling to get the ball back. Meanwhile the Comet defense clamped down and gave up just five more points over the last three minutes as UTD finished with a 10-5 run.

UTD won the rebounding battle, 44-25. BOXSCORE