MARSHALL, Texas – After splitting their first two home games of the season this past weekend, the East Texas Baptist University men's basketball team will hit the road for the first time this season heading to Conway, Ark., to take on Hendrix College. This will be the only game of the week over Thanksgiving break.

The Tigers kick started their season with a 17-1 burst to begin their game against Texas Lutheran University. Led by 21 points from Robby Dooley and 14 from Westin Riddick, ETBU would use their start to win 87-71 against the Bulldogs. The next night would see the Tigers go toe-to-toe with Schreiner University. Coming down to the last shot, ETBU was unable to pull off a last-second victory as the Mountaineers hung on to an 83-82 win. Landin Brown finished as the top scorer with 18 points while Jarrell Taylor added 14 of his own.

ETBU was inspired with the atmosphere the crowd provided in the opening two games as head coach Brandon Curran says, "We're just really thankful that everyone came out and supported us. The atmosphere on Friday for our first home game was just incredible. Saturday, we had a reception for parents and got to visit with them and just continued to have a great crowd. It's so fun and it's great for these guys. It's just fun to be in a place where people care and come out and support. It really is a home court advantage."

This week, the Tigers will be away from Ornelas Gym for a quick Tuesday night game against HC. Through four games, the Warriors are 2-2 following a one-point loss to Austin College. It's been four seasons since ETBU last played HC on the final day of 2014 in which they won 74-67. HC is scoring 68.5 points per game this season while giving up 75.8 ppg. Three players are in double-figures scoring-wise, including Sean Coman (11.5 ppg), Carl Fitch (11.0 ppg), and Seth Stanley (11.0 ppg). Fitch also leads the team with 6.5 rebounds per game while Jacob Link averages 2.5 assists per game.

Expecting a tough test on the road, Coach Curran wants his players to be as consistent as possible for the full forty minutes. "We're going to just focus in playing hard defensively and getting after it as much as we can. Also consistently pushing the pace offensively and giving a great effort running the floor. We just need to continue to focus in on playing as hard as you can play for as long as you can play. Get your hand up, let's get somebody else in there. We just need to really increase the effort."

Tipoff is at 6:00 p.m. in Arkansas.