ABILENE, Texas – For the first time this season, the East Texas Baptist University men's basketball team could not overcome a deficit, and fell on the road. ETBU and Hardin-Simmons University traded blows throughout the second half, but HSU prevailed in the final minutes of the game, 84-78.

HSU shot nearly 60% from the floor in the first half to give them a 49-39 lead in the game. ETBU bounced back and took the lead 61-59 midway through the second half. HSU ended up taking the lead wiht just over four minutes to play in the game and knocked down key free throws at the end of the game to secure the win.

Robby Dooley and Clayton Stanley had 11 points to lead ETBU, followed by Dylan Augustine and Jordan Quillian with 10 points each. Will Thomas had 11 rebounds and Jordan Gosey had five rebounds. Augustine and Dooley had three steals each in the loss.

ETBU shot 47.6% from the field and 40.9% from behind the arc. ETBU falls to 4-1 on the season and opens up ASC play 0-1.

Seven of the eight HSU players scored in double-figures in the game. Dashun Dixon led the way with 16 points. Nathaniel Jack posted a double-double finishing with 12 points and 13 rebounds. HSU shot 55.3% from the field in the game.

"I am proud of our bench tonight. The guys had a lot of energy and encouragement. I thought our subs did a great job and really gave us a spark on offense and defense. We just did not execute well enough on both sides of the ball versus a good team on the road. We had opportunities, but we did not take advantage," said head coach Brandon Curran after the game.

ETBU will continue their road trip this Saturday at McMurry University at 3:00 p.m.