BELTON, Texas — The Christmas Classic hosted by UMHB started off with a bang as East Texas Baptist University (10-1) defeated George Fox University, 52-46, at the Mayborn Campus Center on Monday. The Tigers led by as many as 13 points in the second quarter, capitalizing on 20 second-chance points and 34 points in the paint. The team also forced 19 turnovers, converting them into 11 points. The Bruins' rally in the fourth quarter fell short despite outscoring ETBU 16-13 in the final quarter.
Macey Jones led the team with 16 points, five rebounds, and two blocks.
Hannah Ayala contributed eight points, collected a team-high 10 rebounds, and had five steals. Sara Cowan recorded four rebounds and secured two steals. Anna Beamesderfer finished with 11 points and four rebounds, converting all of her free throw attempts.
The Tigers opened the game with a slow start, finding themselves trailing 8-0 midway through the quarter. They managed to break the drought with a jumper by Jones at the 7:33 mark, assisted by
Tristan Smith. Despite struggling with shooting accuracy, ETBU capitalized on free throws to narrow the gap, with
Marley Keith converting two crucial attempts with 41 seconds remaining. The quarter concluded with ETBU down by three, 11-8.
The second quarter was dominated by the Tigers. Jones tipped in an offensive rebound at 9:44 to take the lead. The team capitalized on turnovers, forcing 10 from George Fox, converting them into points. Keith's fast-break jumper at 6:02 and
Tiffany Bickford's three-pointer at 1:40 significantly contributed to the momentum. The quarter concluded with ETBU leading 25-15, outscoring George Fox 17-4.
ETBU solidified its lead in the third quarter, with Jones making a pivotal tip-in at 9:11 to maintain momentum. Ayala contributed significantly with a series of key plays, including a jumper at 8:16 and a crucial steal at 8:00, helping to keep George Fox at bay. Despite the Bruins' attempts to rally, including a fast-break 3-pointer by Hanne Hopkins, ETBU's defense held firm. The quarter concluded with the Tigers extending their advantage to 39–30.
The Tigers maintained their edge in the final quarter, solidifying their lead with timely plays in the paint. Jones contributed a crucial jumper at 6:58 to extend their advantage, while Ayala's tip-in at 3:22 helped fend off a rally from George Fox. Despite George Fox closing the gap with a late three-pointer from Mia Skoro, ETBU's strong defensive rebounding and free throws by Smith in the final seconds secured their victory. The game ended with ETBU winning 52–46.
East Texas Baptist Top Performers
Macey Jones
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- 16 points
- 2 blocks
- 5 rebounds
Hannah Ayala
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- 8 points
- 5 steals
- 10 rebounds
Sara Cowan
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- 2 steals
- 4 rebounds
Anna Beamesderfer
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- 11 points
- 4 rebounds
ETBU improved to 10-1 overall with the victory and will face Trinity tomorrow at 2:00 p.m. in Belton then will face UW-Whitewater on Thursday at 12:00 p.m.
