SHREVEPORT, La. — Building a commanding 13-point lead mid-way through the second half, East Texas Baptist University held off Centenary College (La.) 73-67 at Gold Dome on Friday night. ETBU is now 1-3 on the year.
ETBU scored 19 points off of Centenary's turnovers and then held off the Gent's late surge when they narrowed the lead down to six. ETBU finished with 12 steals.
Michael Roberts scored 19 points, hitting 8 of his 14 shots and recording three steals.
Nathan Fleming contributed with 14 points and 12 rebounds, while also making five steals.
Shad Levy added 10 points and
Jack Pease also scored 10 points, going 5-for-13 from the field.
ETBU opened the first half with a strong defensive presence, forcing 11 turnovers and converting those into fast-break points. After initially trailing by nine points at 17:26, they mounted a significant comeback. Roberts played a pivotal role, scoring crucial points including a layup at 5:44 that tied the game at 26. The Tigers surged ahead, highlighted by Fleming's fast-break dunk at 2:18 and a layup by Pease at 0:41. ETBU closed the half on an 11-point lead, finishing ahead 41–30.
Maintaining its advantage in the second half, ETBU extended their lead to 13 points with a layup by Roberts at 7:12. Despite a surge from Centenary, which included multiple 3-pointers, the Tigers capitalized on their free throw opportunities, with Levy hitting crucial shots from the line to secure their the 73–67 victory.
ETBU will travel to Lyon College on Tuesday, November 18, for a 6:00 p.m. game in Arkansas.
ETBU Top Performers
Michael Roberts
- 19 points
- 8/14 field goals made
- 3 steals
- 4 assists
Nathan Fleming
- 14 points
- 12 rebounds
- 5 steals
- 3 blocks
Jack Pease
- 10 points
- 5/13 field goals made
- 3 rebounds
- 2 assists
Shad Levy
- 10 points
- 4/4 free throws made
- 3 rebounds
