ABILENE, Texas – In their toughest road trip to date, the East Texas Baptist University football team fell to #7 Hardin-Simmons University, 59-17, in American Southwest Conference play. ETBU is now 2-2 overall and 2-1 in the ASC.

Brian Baca completed 16-of-29 passing for 176 yards while rushing in for two touchdowns. Justin Ward was ETBU's top rusher with 62 yards on 10 carries while Tarek Beaugard had a team-leading 71 yards on three receptions. Defensively, Garrett Gibson had six tackles to lead the team while Aaron Buckley recorded an interception and Quaylon Buckley added a sack.

ETBU's first drive resulted in a three-and-out as they were forced to punt. The Cowboys would respond with a scoring drive of six plays to lead 7-0. ETBU would drive down the field on their second possession of the game to reach the 10-yard line before Baca scampered in to tie the game at seven.  HSU drove down to the 28-yard line on their next possession but they were held to a 40-yard field goal to lead 10-7. ETBU's next possession led to a pick-six by HSU, which gave them a 17-7 lead. Following a missed field goal, HSU pick up another touchdown for a 24-7 lead.

As the second quarter started, ETBU was able to prevent a first down with a stop. But HSU's punt put ETBU inside their five-yard line, which they were unable to move from and were forced to punt. HSU would capitalize on good field position and make it 31-7. HSU added another touchdown before the half for a 38-7 lead.

HSU added 21 points in the third quarter before ETBU would put 10 points on the board in the fourth quarter. Baca ran in for his second touchdown of the day and then a Drew MacKay field would finish out ETBU's scoring.

ETBU will return home to Ornelas Stadium next Saturday at 6:00 p.m. to face Howard Payne University.