MEMPHIS, Tenn. — In their second road test of the season, East Texas Baptist University defeated Rhodes College, 71-43, at Mallory Gymnasium in the Rhodes Classic. ETBU is now 2-0 on the year.
 
ETBU controlled the game with a strong defensive performance capitalizing on turnovers, scoring 22 points off 20 Rhodes turnovers while maintaining a 36-12 advantage in paint points. Tiffany Bickford led the team with 15 points and collected three steals, while Marley Keith recorded six assists and made six of eight free throws for 10 points. Macey Jones added 13 points and blocked three shots while Hannah Ayala led the team with 10 rebounds.
 
Last season's American Southwest Champions opened the quarter on a Jones's layup just 12 seconds into play, assisted by Tristan Smith. Jones continued to make an impact with a follow-up tip-in at 8:59 to extend the lead. Sara Cowan made a pivotal three at 7:48, with an assist from Bickford, bringing the score to 7-0. Ayala's tip-in at the four-minute mark furthered the Tigers advantage to double digits. Despite Rhodes cutting into the lead late with a 3-pointer, ETBU maintained its pace, finishing the quarter ahead 14-7.
 
The Tigers seized momentum midway through the second quarter with a 9–0 run, highlighted by Jones' 3-pointer at 7:48 and Smith's two successful free throws at 7:30. Bickford and Jones each added layups to extend the lead to 27–19 with 3:30 remaining. Rhodes responded with a late push, narrowing the gap with a fast-break layup at 0:48, but ETBU maintained a 29–23 advantage going into halftime.
 
The Tigers surged ahead in the third quarter, highlighted by a 9–0 run that included a three-pointer by Cowan at 7:44 and another by Bickford at 4:57. The team capitalized on strong defensive rebounding, securing 10 defensive boards while limiting Rhodes to just 11 points. ETBU extended its lead to 50–34 by the end of the quarter.
 
In the fourth quarter, the Tigers maintained their lead with a decisive 21–9 performance. Smith sparked a strong start, scoring five early points, including a key 3-pointer at 8:03, assisted by Bickford. ETBU capitalized on Rhodes' turnovers, as Bickford's fast-break layup at 7:43 extended their advantage. The team continued to dominate the paint, with Anna Beamesderfer and Ayala contributing crucial points down low. Conley Gibson sealed the quarter with a 3-pointer at 0:49, ensuring ETBU ended the game with a commanding 71–43 victory.
 
ETBU closes their time in the Rhodes Classic tomorrow, facing Berea College at 4:00 p.m.