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STEPHENVILLE- C.J. Ross (Austin/Akins) led with 16 points while four other Lobos posted double figure scoring as Sul Ross dropped an 80-76 exhibition bout with former TIAA conference rival Tarleton State Tuesday.

The Lobos took command early as Ross scored on a layup from the opening tip.

Sully then erupted on a 15-2 run which was finished off with a high post three-pointer from Caleb Thomasson (Ackerly/Sands) with 16:32 left in the first half.

The Texans chipped away at their deficit and narrowed the gap to two off a pair of foul shots by Corinthian Ramsey at the 10:09 mark.

A three-pointer by Ranger transfer Gary Ringo, JR (Midland/MHS) broke a 17-17 tie at 8:56.

One more tie would follow before Sul Ross reclaimed the advantage and held on for a 39-33 lead at the break.

A free throw by Tarleton's Jesse Hill pulled the home team to within five before Stephen Walker's (Houston/Taylor) paint shot extended the Lobos' lead to seven 33 seconds into the second half.

Sul Ross then jumped on a 5-1 run ending with a long range jumper by Conner Dawson (Tilden/McMullen County) for a 46-37 Lobo lead with 15:45 left in the game.

Tarleton closed the gap to a 55-55 tie before the second of two converted free throws by Jaraan Lands gave the Texans their first lead of the game at 9:32.

A fast break layup by Dawson at 8:54 gave Sul Ross a 56-55 go ahead and marked the final lead the Lobos would hold for the game.

The Texans broke ahead to a pair of seven-point leads and managed to hold off a Lobo rally as Walker fired off a three-point bucket with nine seconds left in regulation.

Two free throws by Tarleton's Josh Hawley at three seconds gave the home squad an 80-76 cushion and the eventual victory.

Walker and Thomasson sported 14 points apiece and both were just two boards shy of a double double.

Ringo and Dawson added 12 and 10 points respectively in the effort.

Sul Ross will begin regular season play this Thursday and Friday in Marshall against Louisiana College and East Texas Baptist.

Both games will count as non-conference contests.