BELTON, Texas - A rough second half proved to be the deciding factor as the East Texas Baptist women's basketball team (2-11; 0-6) fell to the University Mary Hardin-Baylor 93-68. After only being down 42-36 at the half, UMHB outscored ETBU 51-32 to run away with the game.

UMHB got off to a strong start in the first quarter as they took 12-4 lead. Jumpers by Hannah Holt and Sade Murrell cut the lead to 12-9 before UMHB made it an 8-5 run to end the first quarter at 20-14. Momentum continued for the Crusaders as they built a twelve lead at 26-14. But ETBU inched slowly back and brought the lead to single digits. ETBU would make the score as close as four points at 37-33, but UMHB would answer with a 5-3 run to close the first half at 42-36 in their favor.

The third quarter proved to be the biggest difference as UMHB started on a 9-0 run and never looked back. A jumper by Amanda Wilson made it a nine-point game at 51-42, but UMHB's double digit lead resurfaced and it would stay that way for the remainder of the game. They scored 25 points to ETBU's 15 as they ended the third quarter up 67-51.

The fourth quarter was the same story with UMHB's hot shooting continuing from the previous quarter. ETBU would cut the lead to 19 on two occasions, but they were unable to keep it under twenty as UMHB cruised their way to a victory. 

Despite the second half woes, ETBU did have strong performances from Holt, who led the way with 12 points while Wilson had 10 points. Other contributions came from Kaitlyn Packett, who's three three-pointers gave her nine points while Delia Hopkins and Jade Jeffries had eight points each. Hopkins also collected nine rebounds to lead all players. 

Meanwhile, UMHB had four players in double figures. Kendall Rollins led all scorers with 17 points while Tashyra Banks had 13 points. Both Alicia Blackwell and Antoinette Iroko had 12 points each. Meghan Turner contributed with 10 assists to lead all players. 

As a team, ETBU outshot UMHB from three-point range by 47.4% to 40%. However, UMHB made 47.9% from the field in comparison to the 40% shot by ETBU. They also made 86.7% from the free throw line while ETBU made 50%.

ETBU returns home this Saturday at Ornelas Gym for a showdown with Belhaven University. Tip off starts at 1:00 PM.