BELTON, Texas – With the halftime score tied at 12, East Texas Baptist University gave up nine second half points as they fell to the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor, 21-12. ETBU is now 5-4 on the year and 3-2 in the American Southwest Conference.
 
In a tight battle the entire game, ETBU produced just 158 yards of total offense with 65 yards rushing a and 93 yards passing. Carlos Garibay went 12-of-24 for 93 yards and two interceptions. Zay Thomas was the top receiver with 25 yards on four receptions. Paul Woodard had 43 yards rushing on 16 carries. Carldell Beard recorded the only rushing touchdown. The defense forced two fumbles, had two blocked kicks with a blocked PAT returned for two points, and one sack. Joey Verret led the team with 13 tackles as Keewan Grismore added 12 tackles.
 
The first quarter belonged to ETBU capitalizing on UMHB errors. All four possessions for ETBU were in Cru territory in the first quarter. A botched punt on UMHB's first possession gave ETBU the ball on the 30-yard line. Eight plays later, Beard rushed in from three-yards out at 10:01 for a 7-0 lead. ETBU's next two possessions were at the Cru 42-yard line and 38-yard line but couldn't garner any points. The fourth possession was handed to ETBU on another UMHB fumble at the 32-yard line. Only four plays were run as Pedro Cavazos nailed a 46-yard field goal with 1:09 left for a 10-0 lead to end the first quarter.
 
It was UMHB's sixth possession that they finally found some rhythm in their offense. The Cru went 60-yards on nine plays for their first touchdown and pull within four points, 10-6. On the extra point attempt, ETBU blocked the kick and KJ Bradley swept up the ball going 85-yards for two points putting the Tiger lead at six, 12-6, at 6:28. The Cru defense then intercepted Garibay and took the next possession at the 10-yard line. Three plays later, UMHB tied the game at 12 on a five-yard run. They missed the extra point attempt going for two making it 12-12. ETBU went three-and-out following the tie game and UMHB used a short field to drive to ETBU's 20-yard line. ETBU's defense held UMHB to a field goal attempt that was missed with 1:15 left in the half. ETBU moved the ball 24-yards to midfield before the half but couldn't get into scoring position as they went into the half tied, 12-12.
 
ETBU had the ball five times in the second half and only once in UMHB territory. The Cru held ETBU to just 95 yards of total offense. Two drives ended on downs turning it over while there was a fumble and interception with a punt. UMHB broke the tie in the third quarter with 5:07 left won a 56-yard drive and a six-yard run making it 18-12 as they missed another extra point attempt. The Cru then hit a 19-yard field goal with 8:34 left in the game making it 21-12. Any chances for ETBU to score where stopped by either a turnover or a punt.
 
ETBU will play their final game of the 2023 season next Saturday at 1:00 p.m. against Hardin-Simmons University.