Closing out a Red River Athletic Conference opponent, the University of St. Thomas men’s basketball team defeated Huston-Tillotson University, 79-66, on Jan. 8 in Jerabeck Gym. The Celts served Huston-Tillotson their seventh loss in a row.

St. Thomas went to work on the Rams and jumped out to an 8-2 lead. Huston-Tillotson had a different plan and forced nine UST turnovers in the first half. The Rams led 36-33 going into halftime.

Junior Henoc Jean sparked UST in the second half by scoring the first 5 points giving St. Thomas the lead. Overcoming eight lead changes in six minutes, the Celts built a cushion and eventually got up by 9 points with a score of 62-53. The final score was the largest lead of the entire night.

Junior Bryan Kaase led UST with 22 points. Senior Caleb Williams had a double-double with 16 points and 10 rebounds. Senior point guard Travis Lampley, the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics leader in assists per game, had 11 assists for the night. Deric Dudley had 13 points, and Jean added 10 for the game. Huston-Tillotson was led by Demetrius Smith, who had 19 points and 13 rebounds.

The victory progresses St. Thomas to 9-4 overall, 4-1 at home and 5-3 in the RRAC. It is also the fourth win out of the last five games for the Celts.

Next up is a trip to Langston University with the RRAC contest tipping off at 7:30 p.m. on Jan. 10 in Langston, Okla.

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Pictured: Henoc Jean