UT Tyler opened its 2026-27 women’s basketball season with a 66-58 win over Montana State Billings at the DII Tip-Off Classic. The Patriots built a 19-point halftime lead, then held off a late rally after the Yellowjackets cut the margin to four. Tylah Hooper led UT Tyler with 12 points, while Polina Latysheva added 11 and a game-high six assists.

By the Numbers
  • UT Tyler led 42-23 at halftime and won 66-58.
  • Hooper scored 12 points and made 3 of 3-pointers.
  • Latysheva had 11 points and 6 assists; Hayley Cumming grabbed 10 rebounds.
  • UT Tyler forced 16 turnovers and shot 42% from the field; Montana State Billings shot 38.2%.
  • The Yellowjackets outrebounded the Patriots 36-24.
Yes, But

UT Tyler’s strong first half nearly slipped away: Montana State Billings went on a 17-4 run across the third and fourth quarters, cutting the lead to 56-52 with 5:40 left. The Patriots answered with timely baskets and defensive stops to close out the win.

What’s Next

UT Tyler faces No. 21 Western Washington on Saturday at 7 p.m. Central in the second day of the DII Tip-Off Classic.

Bottom Line

The Patriots showed they can build an early cushion—and respond when it disappears—opening the season with a win despite being outrebounded and facing a late push.