MARSHALL, Texas — Overcoming a 13-point first-half deficit, No. 8 East Tex. Baptist surged to a 21-point victory over Concordia University Texas, 82-61. ETBU propelled their comeback with a 28-point third quarter and dominated the paint with 44 points as they moved to 6-0 on the year. CTX was held to just 22 second-half points as the Tigers capitalized on 16 turnovers for 19 points.
Macey Jones scored 25 points and collected 11 rebounds, with nine successful free throws and three blocks for a career-high.
Hannah Ayala added 20 points and led the team with 12 rebounds, converting 7 of 8 free throws.
Marley Keith contributed 12 points and recorded two steals, alongside three assists.
Tiffany Bickford added 11 points with three steals and six rebounds as
Tristan Smith tallied three steals and provided four assists, finishing with seven points.
ETBU shot 40 percent in the game, making five three-pointers and was 21-of-27 at the line. CTX finished with eight three-pointers and shot 38 percent from the floor, making five free throws. ETBU dominated the boards, 51-36, adding 12 steals.
The Tigers initiated the game with a strong start, as Jones scored with a layup assisted by Sara Cowan. The team continued to build momentum, with Ayala contributing a significant three-pointer, extending their lead to 10-2. Keith also added to the score with a successful free throw, capitalizing on Concordia's turnovers. Despite a solid defensive effort that included a block by Jones, CTX managed to close the gap. The visitors responded with a series of three-pointers, tying the game at 10-10. ETBU reclaimed the lead with a three-pointer from Keith and maintained a narrow advantage, thanks to Smith's layup in the paint. The quarter concluded with CTX hitting a three-pointer to level the score at 18-18.
CTX gained momentum early in the second quarter with a 3-pointer, seizing the lead. The Tigers responded with a layup from Keith to reclaim the advantage 22-21. Despite efforts from Keith and
Tiffany Bickford, CTX capitalized on turnovers and extended its lead. As the quarter progressed, CTX increased its lead on an 18-2 run to end the half for a 12-point lead, 39-27.
ETBU began the third quarter with a defensive stop and a quick layup by Jones, assisted by Smith, setting the pace for the second half. Keith followed with a fast-break layup, and Bickford added a three-pointer, cutting into Concordia's lead. The home team's defensive pressure forced turnovers, leading to an 18-6 run that tied the game at 45. As the quarter progressed, ETBU continued its offensive pressure with contributions from Ayala at the free-throw line. Jones capitalized on CTX's turnovers, converting layups and free throws to extend the home team's lead. The Tigers maintained control, ending the quarter with a 28–9 run, leading 57–48 going into the final quarter.
The fourth quarter opened with a strong offensive performance by ETBU, which quickly extended its lead with contributions from Smith and Ayala, both converting layups to push the score to 59-48. Cowan added a three-pointer, further solidifying the advantage for a 14-point lead, 62-48. CTX struggled to keep pace, managing only four field goals in 13 attempts during the quarter.
Jones and Keith contributed to a sustained offensive effort, with Jones making key free throws and a layup to maintain a 12-point lead, 67-55. Keith's fast-break layup at 4:45 extended the margin to 14 points while the Tigers capitalized on turnovers, and by 3:05 had an 18-point lead on another Jones make in the paint, 73-55. Keith made it a 22-point lead with 1:13 to go (80-52), and two free throws from Bickford gave the Tigers an 82-58 lead with under a minute to play. CTX made a three-pointer as their fourth basket of the quarter as ETBU won, 82-61.
ETBU will host Linfield (Ore.) University on Monday at 5:30 p.m. in the final game of the ETBU Thanksgiving Classic.
ETBU Top Performers
Macey Jones
- 25 points
- 9/10 free throws made
- 11 rebounds
- 3 blocks
Hannah Ayala
- 20 points
- 7/8 free throws made
- 12 rebounds
Marley Keith
- 12 points
- 3 assists
- 2 steals
Tiffany Bickford
- 11 points
- 3 steals
- 6 rebounds
