SEGUIN, Texas -- The Sul Ross State Lobos opened up a 16-point lead by halftime and used the cushion to secure an 84-73 road win over Texas Lutheran at the Bulldog Classic.

Wednesday in TLU's Memorial Gymnasium, the Lobos shot 61.5 percent (16-for-26) overall and 45.5 percent (5-for-11) from the three-point line in the first half.

Sul Ross shot 56.9 percent from the field for the contest.

The Lobo lead grew to as many as 24 with 9:12 to play in the second half.

TLU rallied late behind a barrage of three-pointers. The Bulldogs closed within 13 with 1:34 to play and within 11 (the final margin) on a layup wth 19 seconds to play.

Sul Ross improved to 8-4 overall. TLU dropped to 4-5.

Lobo senior forward Caleb Thomasson paced his squad with 25 points on 12-of-17 shooting. He added eight rebounds and three assists. Thomasson averaged 30 points in the two Lobo victories at the TLU Bulldog Classic.

Sul Ross went 2-0 in the Bulldog Classic. TLU and Howard Payne each posted 1-1 records. Schreiner went 0-2.

Gary Ringo Jr. and Tristen Lincon added 15 and 12 points, respectively, for the Lobos.

Nathan Josephs led TLU with 20 points. He added five rebounds and three assists.

Jacob Kouremetis contributed 17. Kouremetis scored 14 in the second half. He hit four second-half threes.

Sebastian Andrade also hit double figures in scoring. He put up 14 and pulled down six rebounds.

TLU played its second straight game without leading rebounder and senior leader Matthew Gillette. The Bulldogs were also short-handed in the front court without the injured Shawn Hamilton.

The Bulldogs return to action after Christmas with a two-game appearance in the SCAC/ASC Classic, hosted by Schreiner University in Kerrville, Texas. TLU faces LeTourneau at noon on Dec. 29 and East Texas Baptist at noon on Dec. 30.