CANYON, Texas – The Patriots of UT Tyler shot 64.3% in the first half as they led by 27 points at the break on their way to a 76-54 Lone Star Conference crossover victory over the #17 Lady Buffs on Saturday afternoon at the Herrington Patriot Center in Tyler, Texas.
 
Nyalam Thabach led the way for the Lady Buffs as the junior from Boise, Idaho went 7-of-10 from the floor including 1-of-4 from deep and 6-of-6 from the free throw line for a team-high 21 points to go along with six rebounds, one assist and one steal. Lauren Taylor chipped in 10 points as the senior guard went 4-of-11 from the floor to go along with eight boards, one assist and two steals.
 
The Lady Buffs finished the afternoon going19-of-61 (31.1%) from the floor including 5-of-34 (14.7%) from deep and 11-of-14 (78.6%) from the line to go along with 35 rebounds (14 offensive, 21 defensive), 13 assists, 14 turnovers, no blocks and seven steals.
 
Destini Whitehead paced the UTT offense as she went 8-of-13 from the field including 4-of-6 from behind the arc for a game-high 24 points to go along with two rebounds, one assist and three steals. The Patriots finished the game going 26-of-48 (54.2%) from the floor including 10-of-21 (47.6%) from deep and 14-of-20 (70%) from the charity stripe with 33 rebounds, 13 assists, 14 turnovers, two blocks and seven steals.
 
The Lady Buffs continue their road swing on Thursday night as they head to Lawton, Oklahoma to take on the Cameron Aggies with tipoff set for 5:30 p.m. at Aggie Gym.