BATESVILLE, Ark. — It was a 19-2 run to end the first half that switched momentum in favor of Lyon College as East Texas Baptist never regained the lead falling to the Scots in Arkansas, 69-62. ETBU had six-point lead, 24-18, but only scored two points in the final six minutes of the first half. ETBU is now 1-4 and will have two more games on the road this weekend.
The Tigers trailed by 11 at halftime but rallied to close the gap, outscoring Lyon by four in the second half. Despite forcing seven steals, ETBU could not overcome Lyon's dominance in the paint, where the hosts scored 48 points. ETBU shot 37 percent from the floor, only 23 percent from the arc, and 60 percent from the line being out rebounded, 37-35. Lyon College made 50 percent of their shots but only had four three-pointers and was 7-of-12 from the stripe.
Michael Roberts led the team with 21 points, converting 7-of-15 field goal attempts and sinking 5-of-6 free throws.
Jack Pease contributed 14 points, making 7 field goals, and added two assists.
Orlando Gooden III scored 13 points, hitting two three-pointers and recording two steals.
Christian Dews added seven points, collected six rebounds, and registered three steals.
ETBU opened the first half with a strong start, securing an early 6-0 lead with contributions from Roberts and Mitch Williams. Roberts added to the momentum with successful free throws. Despite turnovers, the Tigers managed to stay ahead, with Dews and Pease contributing key plays. Dews gave ETBU a one-point lead, 14-13, at 9:55 and Pease made a layup at 6:42 for a three-point lead, 21-18. Roberts hit a three-pointer at 6:04 for the six-point lead, 24-18, before Lyon made their run.
Lyon responded with efficient shooting, particularly in the paint, closing the gap and eventually overtaking ETBU. Key defensive rebounds and assists helped Lyon to gain the lead. By the end of the half, Lyon had established a 37-26 advantage, capitalizing on their bench scoring and second-chance opportunities and ending on a 19-2 run.
ETBU started the second half by reducing the deficit, with Roberts converting two free throws early on. Dews followed with a jumper, maintaining momentum. The team capitalized on turnovers, with Pease contributing a steal and a layup to cut into Lyon's lead.
Gooden's impressive performance was highlighted by a 3-pointer, followed by two steals that resulted in free throws, narrowing the gap further. Despite Lyon's efforts to extend their advantage, Pease and Roberts combined for key baskets, keeping the Tigers within striking distance throughout the half at 44-34 with 15:56 left to play.
As the half wound down, ETBU continued to apply pressure with Roberts and Pease making significant contributions on both ends of the floor. ETBU was within three points on three different occasions with under four minutes to play but couldn't get any closer. With 2:13 left, Pease hit a layup to come within three, 64-61, but ETBU went 1-of-3 from the foul and missed three shots in the final two minutes as Lyon College held onto the win, 67-62.
ETBU will travel to Rhodes College on Friday in Memphis, Tenn.
ETBU Top Performers
Michael Roberts
- 21 points
- 7 field goals made
- 6 rebounds
Orlando Gooden III
- 13 points
- 2 steals
- 5/6 free throws made
Jack Pease
- 14 points
- 7 field goals made
- 3 rebounds
Christian Dews
- 7 points
- 3 steals
- 6 rebounds
