CLARSKVILLE, Ark. – It was a strong second half that propelled East Texas Baptist University to a come-from-behind win over the University of the Ozarks, 68-62. ETBU is now 8-8 and 4-4 in the American Southwest Conference.
 
Darry Moore led the way with 26 points while both Jayden Williams and Michael Roberts added 13 points. Kurt Labeaud finished with six rebounds and seven assists to lead the team. Tim Eldgridge had 17 points for Ozarks.
 
ETBU finished shooting 43 percent overall, was 4-of-10 from the arc, and went 18-of-23 (78 percent) from the line. UO shot 54 percent, only made three three-pointers (30 percent), and was 9-of-13 at the free throw line (69 percent). UO out rebounded ETBU, 32-24, but ETBU forced 18 turnovers for 20 points and scored 34 points in the paint.
 
UO shot 61 percent in the first half for an eight point lead at the half, 34-26. ETBU started the game on a 6-0 run but by the 10:41 mark UO had a four-point lead, 16-12. Labeaud hit two free throws to tie the game at 18 (9:06) but UO went on a 5-0 run in the next two and half minutes, 23-18. By the 1:25 mark, UO had an eight-point lead, 32-24, and had an eight-point lead at the half, 34-26.
 
The lead was pushed to 11 points to start the second half by UO, 37-26, on a three-pointer. In the next four minutes, ETBU went on a 10-0 run to pull within one, 37-36, on a Moore layup. With 14:17 left, Moore had a fast break jumper to take the lead, 40-39. Ryan Elzy gave ETBU a three-point lead, 47-44, on a free throw with 11:46 left to play. At the six minute mark, Jaden Conner hit one free throw for a five-point lead, 55-50. A 6-0 run by UO gave them a one-point lead, 56-55, with 2:57 left. The game was tied at 58 with 1:59 left to play and as ETBU hit six straight free throws in the next 1:20 for a six-point lead, 64-58. UO was no closer than four in the final minute as ETBU won, 68-62.
 
ETBU will travel to Abilene, Texas, to face Hardin-Simmons on Thursday, January 18, at 7:30 p.m.