SHREVEPORT, Louisiana – A gritty effort the East Texas Baptist University women's basketball team led to a 70-62 win over the Centenary College in the first road game of the season. Post players Taylee Alexander and Lauren combined for 35 of ETBU's 70 points to lead the team.

Throughout the game, ETBU was led by Alexander, who notched in a career-high 19 points by shooting nine-of-13 from the field as well as achieved a team high eight rebounds and three blocked shots. Lee also contributed with 16 points and had five rebounds. April Leonard came through with 13 points, five points, and six assists. Centenary's Jasmine Morris led the Ladies with 25 points.

As a team, ETBU finished shooting 39.7 percent overall compared with 27percent by Centenary. From the arc, ETBU made just 14 percent (two three-pointers) but finished with a 66 percentage from the stripe. Centenary finished at 28 percent from three-point land and 80 percent from the line. Centenary also out rebounded ETBU, 46-44. ETBU forced 23 turnovers scoring 23 points while Centenary scored 16 points off of 17 ETBU turnovers.

The first quarter ended up in an 11-11 tie. After April Leonard hit the first three-pointer of the game, Centenary went on a 6-0 run before baskets by Lee, Ambrosia Woodard, and Delia Hopkins evened the score at nine. The quarter ended when Morgan Garrett hit a lay-up at the buzzer to tie the game at 11.

ETBU managed to score one more point in the second quarter over Centenary to take a 30-29 lead into the break. In an evenly-matched quarter, Lee and Leonard were the catalysts for ETBU. Lee contributed with six points while Leonard had eight. ETBU took a 26-21 lead 2:25 to play thanks to two free throws by Leonard. However, Centenary managed to go on an 8-0 run to lead 29-26. But Leonard would hit a jumper, and then knock two free throws to give ETBU a 30-29 lead at the half.

In the third quarter, ETBU outscored Centenary 12-10 led by Alexander, who tallied nine points. Her jumper at 1:03 gave ETBU a 42-37 lead before two free throws by Centenary made it 42-39.

In the fourth quarter, Centenary took its final lead of 51-50 before ETBU pulled away to take the game 70-62. Centenary would come as close as 65-62 with 1:07 to play in the fourth before free throws by Lee and Cekret Davis iced the win.

ETBU returns to Ornelas Gym to take on Texas College this Saturday at 1:00 p.m.