BELTON, Texas —Day two of the Christmas Classic hosted by the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor was another success as No. 14 East Texas Baptist University (11-1, 0-0 ASC) defeated Trinity University (TX) (2-6, 0-0 SAA), 70-58, at the Mayborn Campus Center. ETBU secured the win with a 12-point edge in the fourth quarter, fueled by 32 bench points and a 41-30 rebounding advantage. Trinity (TX) kept the contest close with 19 points off turnovers but could not overcome the deficit in the final minutes.
Marley Keith scored 20 points, making 8-of-12 field goal attempts, and added three rebounds.
Hannah Ayala recorded a team-high 15 rebounds, including 11 on the defensive end.
Macey Jones contributed with three blocks and added four points. Anna Beamesderfer tallied 14 points, connecting on four 3-pointers and contributing two assists.
Tiffany Bickford added 15 points, including three 3-pointers, and collected six rebounds.
The Tigers opened the first quarter by establishing an early lead with a successful 3-pointer from Beamesderfer at 7:41. This was followed by a scoring drive from Sara Cowan, who added a 3-point play at 6:38, extending their advantage to 8-3. Despite turnovers, the Tigers maintained momentum with strong offensive rebounds, leading to a layup by Keith in the final seconds for a one-point lead. Trinity (TX) kept the game competitive with free-throw shooting and a 3-pointer at 3:32, which momentarily shifted the lead, 12-11. However, the Tigers responded quickly with a 3-pointer from
Quinn Riddle at 2:36 to tie the game at 14. The quarter closed with the Tigers reclaiming the lead, 18-17, after Keith converted a free throw following a layup.
ETBU began the second quarter with a strong offensive effort, highlighted by Keith's early three-pointer that extended their lead to four, 21-17. The team capitalized on turnovers, with Cowan's steal setting up additional scoring opportunities. ETBU maintained their edge through solid defensive rebounds, preventing Trinity (TX) from regaining momentum. Bickford and Beamesderfer each contributed with three-pointers, keeping ETBU ahead. In the final minutes, Bickford added a crucial fast-break layup, pushing the lead further, 34-30,at the half outscoring Trinity (TX) 16-13.
Keeping the momentum through effective shooting and defensive rebounds in the third quarter, Jones initiated the scoring with a successful jumper from the paint, followed by Keith's fast-break layup, widening the lead, 40-32. Keith continued her impact with another layup, contributing to the team's 12 points in the paint during the quarter for a 42-34 lead. ETBU maintained control with Beamesderfer's three-pointer at 6:21, 47-37, which further extended the advantage. Despite a brief scoring push by Trinity (TX) that included a three-pointer, the Tigers responded with Bickford's free throws and Cowan's three-pointer to keep the margin comfortable, 52-46. As the quarter closed, Cowan capitalized on a turnover with a fast-break layup, ensuring ETBU stayed ahead, 54-46. The team ended the quarter leading 54–48, outscoring Trinity (TX) 20–18.
ETBU began the fourth quarter by maintaining consistent offensive pressure. Keith opened the scoring with a jumper, extending the lead eight, 56-48. Bickford capitalized on an assist from Beamesderfer with a pivotal 3-pointer, contributing to a notable scoring stretch to go up, 59-51. ETBU's defense limited Trinity (TX) to 10 points in the quarter, highlighted by Jones's block. Offensively, ETBU effectively controlled the boards, with Ayala securing key rebounds. The quarter concluded with ETBU holding a 70–58 advantage, securing the victory.
The Tigers improved to 11-1 overall and will face No. 10 UW-Whitewater tomorrow at 12:00 p.m. in Belton to wrap up the UMHB Christmas Classic.
East Tex. Baptist Top Performers
Marley Keith
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- 20 points
- 8/12 field goals
- 3 rebounds
Hannah Ayala
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- 15 rebounds
- 4 offensive rebounds
Anna Beamesderfer
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- 14 points
- 4 3-pointers
- 3 rebounds
Tiffany Bickford
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- 15 points
- 3 3-pointers
- 6 rebounds
Macey Jones
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- 3 blocks
- 4 points
