MARSHALL, Texas In a closely contested matchup at Ornelas Gym to start the new season, East Texas Baptist University fell short of the victory, 68-65, to Centenary College (La.). ETBU held a five-point lead at halftime, but McMurry outscored the Tigers by eight points in the second half. ETBU is now 0-1 on the year.
 
Michael Roberts posted a strong performance with 24 points and 11 rebounds. Jack Pease added 19 points, including four 3-pointers, and recorded three steals in his first game as a Tiger. Christian Dews contributed six rebounds and one block, and Orlando Gooden III added five points.
 
ETBU and McMurry commenced the game with a competitive first half, with the Tigers gaining an early lead, sparked by a 3-pointer from Pease at 17:57. The team continued to build momentum with a fast-break 3-pointer by Roberts at 9:44, assisted by Pease, extending their lead to 19–12. ETBU maintained control by converting 9-of-11 free throws and securing a strong presence on the boards with a 29–20 rebounding advantage. Despite McMurry's efforts to close the gap, ETBU concluded the half with a 33–28 lead.
 
The second half began with a significant momentum shift for ETBU when Pease hit a 3-pointer at 17:21, extending their lead to 36-30. Roberts contributed with consistent scoring, including a key jumper at 10:37 that pushed the lead to 49-40. Despite a strong push from McMurry, who tied the game multiple times, ETBU maintained a narrow lead late into the half. In the closing minutes, McMurry managed to overtake ETBU after a series of free throws, putting them ahead 68-65. ETBU's attempts to regain control with last-second shots were unsuccessful as McMurry secured a narrow 68-65 victory.
 
ETBU travels to Jackson, Miss., on Saturday for a 6:00 p.m. tip against Belhaven University.
 

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ETBU Top Performers 
 Michael Roberts 
- 24 points 
- 8 field goals made 
- 7/10 free throws made 
- 11 rebounds 
 
Jack Pease 
- 19 points 
- 4/7 three-pointers made 
- 3 steals 
- 8 rebounds 
 
Christian Dews 
- 2 points 
- 1 block 
- 1 steal 
- 6 rebounds