MARSHALL, Texas - In a tight first match of the ETBU Christmas Classic, the Tigers fell to Wisconsin-Eau Claire, 75-69, at Ornelas Gymnasium on Monday. East Texas Baptist University (11-3, 0-0 ASC) held a 36-18 advantage in paint points and secured 43 total rebounds. UWEC (9-1, 0-0 WIAC) capitalized on turnovers, converting 27 points from the Tigers' 18 giveaways to secure the non-conference victory.

Hannah Ayala led the Tigers with 13 points and secured 14 rebounds, including 11 on the defensive end. Macey Jones contributed 11 points and collected six rebounds while adding two steals in the game. Anna Beamesderfer finished with 12 points, converting all eight of her free throw attempts and gathering seven rebounds. Marley Keith added 11 points and recorded three assists, balancing her offensive efforts with one steal.

The Tigers started the game aggressively, trading leads with the BluGolds. Jones made a significant impact early, scoring twice in the paint, including a jumper at 8:29 assisted by Ayala, helping the team maintain momentum. Despite trailing 12-6 at one point, the Tigers capitalized on free throws by Beamesderfer and a fast-break layup by Tiffany Bickford, assisted by Ayala, to secure a narrow lead. The home team finished the first quarter ahead 15-14.

The second quarter saw a quick basket by Beamesderfer at 9:18, edging ahead 17–14. Tristan Smith added to their interior scoring with a layup, maintaining a narrow lead until a 3-pointer by Reanna Hutchinson tied the game at 19 at 7:35. Despite the Tigers' efforts in the paint, UWEC gained momentum, outscoring the home team 16–8 in the quarter, aided by second-chance points and free throws. Ayala's layup at 2:13 kept the Tigers within striking distance, but they trailed 30–23 as the half concluded.

The Tigers surged in the third quarter with a strong performance from Keith, who contributed crucial points, including a pair of free throws and a jumper in the paint. The team capitalized on turnovers, with Ayala and Sara Cowan each recording timely steals that led to fast-break opportunities. The Tigers' defensive rebounding and efficiency from the free-throw line helped maintain their edge. The quarter concluded with the Tigers ahead 47–44.

ETBU battled to regain control in the fourth quarter, led by a crucial jumper from Ayala at 6:28 that pushed them ahead 56–55. Despite a back-and-forth exchange, including a fast-break layup by Bickford at 5:26, UWEC reclaimed the lead. In the closing minutes, the Tigers faced a scoring surge from the BluGolds, highlighted by Kyla Overskei's pivotal three-pointer at 1:18, extending their advantage. A late three-pointer by Keith helped narrow the gap, but the Tigers ultimately fell short. The game concluded with a final score of 75–69 in favor of UWEC.

The Tigers will return back to Ornelas Gym, tomorrow, at 5:00 p.m. to face Trinity.