SHREVEPORT, La. — In a commanding performance, East Texas Baptist University opened the new season with a bang, defeating Centenary College (La.), 76-50, at the Gold Dome. Four players scored in double figures with three double-doubles as ETBU moved to 1-0 on the year.
 
The Tigers secured a +24 rebounding advantage, dominating the boards with 53 total rebounds and the defense recorded 7 blocks and held Centenary to just 17 field goals made. ETBU capitalized on turnovers, scoring 21 points off Centenary's miscues to maintain control throughout the game.
 
Marley Keith scored 12 points and recorded two steals, while Macey Jones posted a double-double with 13 points and 11 rebounds, also adding two blocks. Hannah Ayala added 12 points and collected 10 rebounds. Tristan Smith finished with 14 points on perfect shooting from the field, alongside 10 rebounds and two blocks.
 
ETBU opened the game converting their early stops into a 6–2 lead following a 3-pointer by Ayala at 5:25. Keith added a jumper and a layup during a dominant 15–3 run that extended their lead to 15–2. Centenary managed to narrow the gap slightly with a late 3-pointer, but ETBU maintained control, ending the first quarter ahead 19–10.
 
The Tigers extended their lead with a decisive 10-0 run early in the second quarter, highlighted by Keith's fast-break layup at 7:50, which brought the score to 22-13. Tiffany Bickford blocked a shot and recorded multiple defensive rebounds, while Smith added key points, including a jumper to make it 26-13. Although Centenary attempted a comeback, cutting the margin to 28-24, Sara Cowan's three-pointer at 1:16 helped maintain the advantage. The Tigers finished the quarter ahead 36-24.
 
ETBU asserted control in the third quarter with a significant scoring stretch, highlighted by Jones's impressive play in the paint, beginning with a layup assisted by Cowan at 9:27. Smith contributed two blocks, maintaining pressure on Centenary. Ayala's tip-in at 5:15 and her subsequent free throw extended their lead further. Concluding the quarter, Bickford's 3-pointer with 18 seconds left capped a dominant run, leaving ETBU leading 56–33.
 
ETBU solidified its lead in the fourth quarter, opening with a layup by Jones at 9:24, assisted by Bickford. The team maintained control with a significant scoring contribution from the bench, tallying 13 points. Bickford's three-pointer at 7:38, assisted by Cowan, further extended their advantage.
 
Despite a push from Centenary, ETBU responded immediately with a fast-break layup by Ayala at 5:20. Conley Gibson added a three-pointer at 2:02 to maintain the margin. The quarter concluded with a layup from Anna Beamesderfer in the final 18 seconds, sealing the game with a final score of 76-50 in favor of ETBU.
 
The Tigers improved to 1-0 overall with their victory and will head to Memphis, Tenn., next Friday to play in the Rhodes Classic against both Rhodes College and Berea College.