MARSHALL, Texas — A 10-3 run over three minutes in the fourth quarter gave No. 8 East Texas Baptist University the edge over Piedmont University, 65-62. ETBU is now 5-0.
The Tigers capitalized on turnovers, scoring 23 points from 30 Piedmont giveaways. ETBU also outscored Piedmont on fast breaks, contributing 18 points to their total. ETBU shot 36 percent from the floor making eight three-pointers (33 percent) and was 9-of-13 from the line. Piedmont made 45 percent of their shots but was only 28 percent from the arc going 10-of-16 at the foul line but out rebounded ETBU, 38-36.
Marley Keith scored 19 points and recorded seven steals, leading the team in both categories. Sara Cowan added 11 points, converting three of five from beyond the arc and contributing five steals.
Tristan Smith tallied 14 points and was a perfect 6-for-6 from the free-throw line, while also collecting nine rebounds.
Hannah Ayala contributed defensively with nine rebounds and two steals.
ETBU initiated play with solid defensive pressure, forcing nine turnovers in the first quarter. Keith and Smith spearheaded the defensive efforts with multiple steals, contributing to fast-break opportunities. The team capitalized on points off turnovers and fast breaks, netting six points in transition. ETBU had a seven point lead, 13-6, at 1:24 on an Anna Beamesderfer three-pointer. Offensively, ETBU controlled the paint, scoring 10 points inside.
Tiffany Bickford added to the momentum with a three-pointer, extending the lead late in the quarter. The quarter concluded with the Tigers leading Piedmont 15-8, as Keith had a layup with 17 seconds left.
Opening the second quarter with back-to-back three-pointers from Keith, assisted by
Macey Jones and Smith, ETBU pushed the score to 21-8. Piedmont responded with a scoring drive, but ETBU maintained momentum through Cowan's three-pointer and a fast-break layup by Keith, widening the gap to 28-14. The quarter proceeded with both teams exchanging baskets, yet ETBU preserved their advantage through defensive rebounds and timely steals. Ayala contributed with an offensive rebound and a successful layup, ensuring the Tigers closed the quarter ahead, leading 30-22.
ETBU started the third quarter by extending their lead with a three-pointer from Cowan at 8:57, assisted by Smith. Cowan continued her impact with another three-pointer at 8:01, pushing the score to 36-28. Despite turnovers, ETBU maintained momentum with defensive plays, including a critical steal by Bickford, who then converted a three-pointer at 5:48 to bolster the lead to 39-30. Piedmont countered with a 10-2 run, closing the gap to 41-40 at 3:07. Piedmont edged ahead briefly at 2:16, 43-41, but Keith's layup at 1:58 tied the game at 43. In the final minute, ETBU reclaimed the lead with Keith's fast-break layup at 0:27, closing the quarter with a 45-43 advantage.
Despite a brief lead change to start the fourth quarter, ETBU regained control with a series of successful drives, including a critical layup by Smith at 6:18 to push the score to 52-49. Bickford contributed defensively with key steals, turning turnovers into scoring opportunities. The momentum shifted as ETBU capitalized on turnovers, extending their lead through effective free throw shooting. Keith's layup at 5:46 further solidified the lead, 54-49, and Ayala's 3-pointer at 0:54 expanded the margin to nine, 62-53. The Tigers maintained composure in the closing moments, ending the quarter with a 65-62 victory, securing a narrow win despite Piedmont's late attempts.
ETBU will host Concordia University Texas at 12:00 p.m. on Saturday in Ornelas Gym.
ETBU Top Performers
Marley Keith
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- 19 points
- 7 steals
- 3 assists
Tristan Smith
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- 14 points
- 6/6 free throws made
- 9 rebounds
- 3 steals
Sara Cowan
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- 11 points
- 3 3-pointers
- 5 steals
Hannah Ayala
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- 7 points
- 9 rebounds
- 2 steals
