CLARKSVILLE, Ark. — Three players scored in double figures as East Texas Baptist University ran away with the win over the University of the Ozarks, 69-51. ETBU moves to 4-0 and made eight three-pointers in the game.
The Tigers outscored Ozarks by 10 points off turnovers and secured a commanding 41-27 advantage in rebounds. ETBU's defense held Ozarks to just 51 points, while also capitalizing on second-chance opportunities with a 24-3 margin. ETBU shot 44 percent from the floor and 68 percent from the line and held UO to 37 percent from the floor.
Tristan Smith led with a strong performance, scoring 18 points and securing 12 rebounds while converting all 10 of his free throw attempts. Sara Cowan contributed 17 points, hitting 5-of-8 field goals, including four shots from beyond the arc.
Hannah Ayala recorded 11 rebounds and five steals, adding six points.
Macey Jones added five points and posted two blocks, while
Marley Keith scored 12 points, making three three-pointers.
ETBU began the first quarter by establishing an early lead, with Jones hitting a free throw and Cowan adding a three-pointer to set the score at 4-0. The Tigers capitalized on their defensive rebounds and second-chance opportunities, out-rebounding Ozarks (AR) 15-10 overall, including seven offensive boards.
As the quarter progressed, ETBU maintained their edge with a key three-pointer from Keith at 3:08, extending their lead to 11-6. Despite turnovers that allowed Ozarks (AR) to narrow the gap, Smith's late free throws secured a 13-10 advantage for the Tigers at the end of the first quarter.
ETBU started the second quarter with a strong defensive effort, highlighted by Smith's block at 9:46. Smith followed up with a layup, assisted by Keith, to extend the lead. The team capitalized on turnovers, with Smith adding two more layups, one off a steal, to maintain momentum. Keith contributed a three-pointer at 7:34, assisted by Cowan, further increasing the visitor's lead, 18-13. ETBU's defense forced five turnovers and limited Ozarks (AR) to only one successful three-pointer in the quarter. The quarter closed with Anna Beamesderfer scoring a layup at the 6-second mark, assisted by Jones, putting the Tigers ahead 35-22.
The Tigers began the third quarter with a strong 9-0 run, highlighted by Smith's pair of free throws and Keith's three-pointer at 9:04 making it 40-22. Midway through the quarter, Cowan connected on two three-pointers, extending the lead significantly. Defensive pressure was effective, as the Tigers forced five turnovers and converted them into nine points.The quarter closed with ETBU maintaining their momentum, with Cowan hitting another three-pointer with 26 seconds remaining to finish the quarter leading, 57-35.
ETBU initiated the fourth quarter with a strong defensive stance, recording two blocks and two steals. Despite the initial push from Ozarks (AR), the Tigers maintained control, with Cowan making crucial free throws at the 5:59 mark to extend their lead to 59–42. Ozarks (AR) attempted to rally with a three-pointer from Lili Garcia, but Ayala responded with a three of her own, assisted by
Tiffany Bickford, pushing the lead to 62–42. Jones solidified the lead with a layup, maintaining a comfortable margin.
In the closing minutes, the Tigers sustained their defensive efforts, with Smith securing key rebounds and adding two more points from the free-throw line. The quarter concluded with ETBU maintaining a 69–51 advantage, securing the victory.
ETBU will host the Thanksgiving Classic on Friday and Saturday as three teams come to Marshall, Texas. They will face Piedmont on Friday at 5:00 p.m.
ETBU Top Performers
Sara Cowan
- 17 points
- 4 3-pointers
- 3 rebounds
Tristan Smith
- 18 points
- 10/10 free throws made
- 12 rebounds
- 2 blocks
Hannah Ayala
- 6 points
- 5 steals
- 11 rebounds
Marley Keith
- 12 points
- 3 3-pointers
- 2 assists
