HOUSTON, Texas — A slow start in the first half became the difference as East Texas Baptist University played behind the University of St. Thomas Houston the entire game fall to the Celts, 69-55. ETBU is now 7-1 on the year.
The Tigers struggled with ball control, committing 22 turnovers which led to 29 points for UST. Despite a strong effort from the bench, contributing 32 points, ETBU was unable to close the gap established by St. Thomas's early 24-10 first-quarter lead.
Tiffany Bickford led the team with 12 points, converting two 3-pointers and four free throws, while also recording three steals. Anna Beamesderfer added 10 points, making six of eight free throws and collecting seven rebounds. Sara Cowan contributed six points and recorded five assists.
Macey Jones tallied seven rebounds, including six on the offensive end, and finished with five points.
The game opened with UST taking an early lead, driven by a 6-for-8 performance from beyond the arc. ETBU found success through Cowan's three-pointer at 7:56, which narrowed the gap momentarily, 5-3. However, turnovers hindered the Tigers' momentum, allowing UST to extend their lead, 15-3. Despite a late push that included free throws by Bickford, ETBU trailed 24–10 at the end of the first quarter.
ETBU gained momentum midway through the second quarter with a 3-pointer by Bickford at 6:57, assisted by
Marley Keith, narrowing the gap to 32–17. Despite the effort, the Tigers struggled with turnovers, committing six, which allowed UST to extend their lead.
Tristan Smith contributed with a layup followed by a successful free throw at 1:53, but ETBU trailed 47–25 heading into halftime.
Sparking a run midway through the third quarter, ETBU narrowed the gap against UST to 19 points. A pivotal moment occurred when Bickford drained a 3-pointer at 7:20, assisted by Sara Cowan, which contributed to their 16-point quarter.
Hannah Ayala's consistent defensive rebounds and fast-break layup at 6:40 maintained momentum for the Tigers. Despite UST responding with key baskets, ETBU closed the quarter strong, trailing 60-41.
ETBU made a final push in the fourth quarter, scoring 14 points with key contributions from Beamesderfer, who converted a tip-in at 9:01 and added two free throws at 1:26. Despite UST maintaining a lead, ETBU reduced the gap with
Reagan Eilers' defensive rebound at 1:09, followed by a successful layup at 0:23. However, UST held on to win as the game concluded 69-55.
ETBU will play on Saturday, December 6, at 1:00 p.m. in Austin, Texas, vs. Concordia Texas.
ETBU Top Performers
Tiffany Bickford
- 12 points
- 4/4 free throws made
- 3 steals
Anna Beamesderfer
- 10 points
- 6/8 free throws made
- 7 rebounds
Sara Cowan
- 6 points
- 5 assists
- 2 rebounds
Hannah Ayala
- 7 points
- 7 rebounds
- 1 steal
