BELTON, Texas — Playing their third game in four days, No. 14 East Texas Baptist University (10-2) struggled with turnovers as No. 10 University of Wisconsin-Whitewater (8-1), had a strong second half to take the top 15 matchup, 75-40, at the Christmas Classic hosted by UMHB. ETBU was down 29-20 at the half but UWW finished the game scoring 28 points off of the Tigers turnovers.
 
ETBU shot 34 percent from the floor but made just five three-pointers (33 percent) and took just six free throws. UWW made 40 percent of their shots, 29 percent from the arc, and was 14-of-23 from the line. UWW also out rebounded ETBU, 42-35.
 
Sarah Cowan made three 3-pointers and recorded two steals for nine points. Macey Jones scored 11 points and collected three steals. Hannah Ayala pulled down 14 rebounds, including nine defensive boards. Anna Beamesderfer added six points and two steals.
 
The Tigers opened the contest with an early layup from Jones, assisted by Tristan Smith. Despite a strong defensive effort, including four steals, ETBU committed 13 turnovers in the quarter. Smith tied the game at seven at 5:53 with a 3-pointer, but UWW capitalized on the Tigers' turnovers to gradually pull ahead holding the Tigers scoreless the final five minutes, 16-7.
 
ETBU made an early impact with Ayala's tip-in at 9:25, 16-9, and. Cowan's three-pointer at 8:55, assisted by Marley Keith, cut the game to six, 18-12. Despite several turnovers, the Tigers maintained their pace with Jones scoring in the paint at 6:10 staying within six points, 20-14, and Beamesderfer adding a jumper at 1:36 (26-20). The quarter concluded with both teams scoring 13 points each but UWW had a nine-point lead, 29-20.
 
It was a struggle for ETBU in the third quarter, as UWW capitalized on turnovers and fast breaks. Despite a three-pointer by Cowan at 5:34 and a jumper from Jones at 5:00 to show some offensive spark, the Tigers could not close the gap as they trailed, 53–29. UWW then outscored ETBU, 22-11, in the fourth quarter to take the game, 75-40.
 
ETBU will next play at home on December 29 in the ETBU Christmas Classic against UW-Eau Claire at 5:00 p.m.
 

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Top Performers   
Sarah Cowan  
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- 9 points  
- 3 3-pointers  
- 2 steals  
 
Macey Jones  
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- 11 points  
- 5/6 field goals made  
- 3 steals  
 
Hannah Ayala  
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- 14 rebounds  
- 4 points  
 
Anna Beamesderfer  
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- 6 points  
- 2 steals  
- 4 rebounds