TYLER, TX (01.12.17) - The UT Dallas men's basketball team was handed another single-digit loss in American Southwest Conference play Thursday night as the Comets fell at Texas-Tyler, 79-76.

The Comets (3-11, 2-5 ASC) have now lost five league games seven points or less this season and will look to bounce back Saturday afternoon at ASC East-leading LeTourneau. Game time is 3 p.m. in Longview.

Caleb Banks hit three free throws with 20 seconds left to play to draw the Comets within one point of host UT-Tyler, 77-76, and forced a Patriot turnover on the ensuing inbounds pass. However, Banks was called for stepping out of bounds while driving the baseline for a potential go-ahead lay up. UT-Tyler hit 1-of-2 free throws after a Comet foul, giving UTD a chance for a game-winning three-pointer. But, Curtis Allen's shot from the left corner rimmed out to end the Comets' hopes.

The Comets trailed UTT most of the night, after giving up a lead in the first four minutes of the game. UTD chased the Patriots for the remainder of the contest, trailing 41-36 at halftime. The Comets drew within two points with 5:48 left on a Dimitrius Underwood lay up, but could not draw even. Banks' free throws in the final minute drew UTD within one point for the only time in the second half.

Banks led five Comets in double-digit scoring with a game-high 21 points, along with four assists and a pair of rebounds. Jon Hatcher added 15 points, Kyle Coulter had 13 points, Underwood had 12 points and Reagan Keogh finished with 10 points. Underwood led the Comets with five rebounds.