MARSHALL, Texas—In a close contest determined in the final seconds, East Texas Baptist University lost to LeTourneau 78-77 at Ornelas Gymnasium in the final regular-season game. Despite a strong second half, in which they outscored their opponents 48-36, ETBU could not overcome the first-half deficit. The game featured six ties and eight lead changes, and ETBU is now 6-19 and 2-6 in the American Southwest Conference.
Jason Justice led the Tigers with 34 points, shooting 10-for-23 from the field, including 4-for-7 from beyond the arc, and recording two steals.
Colin Roberts made a significant impact with 26 points, a team-high 14 rebounds, and two blocks.
Michael Roberts contributed defensively with 12 rebounds and two blocks. Joshua R. Davis led the team in assists with five. Joshua Joe secured three steals.
In the opening half, the Tigers faced a challenging start against LeTourneau. Trailing 11-0, Justice scored the team's first points with a jumper at 16:50.
Michael Roberts contributed with a defensive rebound and an assist, and
Colin Roberts added to the score with a layup at 9:32. Despite persistent efforts, including a three-pointer from Justice at 6:33 and consistent plays by
Colin Roberts, the team ended the half down, 42-29.
ETBU had a strong start in the second half as
Colin Roberts scored back-to-back layups within the first minute, assisted by Joshua R. Davis.
Colin Roberts continued to be a key player, contributing multiple layups and grabbing several offensive rebounds, culminating in a layup at 9:33 that helped close the gap to 57-56. Justice also made significant contributions with consistent free-throw shooting and a critical three-pointer at 3:09, which put the team ahead 73-70. Despite a late rally from LeTourneau, Justice's free throws at the 15-second mark brought ETBU to a 77-76 lead, as a last-second foul allowed LeTourneau to secure a narrow victory with a final score of 78-77, making two free throws with 1.3 seconds left.
ETBU will now await where they will play on Tuesday against Howard Payne University for the ASC Tournament play-in game.
ETBU Top Performers
Jason Justice
- 34 total points
- 10 field goals made
- 4 three-point field goals made
- 10 free throws made
- 2 steals
Colin Roberts
- 26 total points
- 10 field goals made
- 6 free throws made
- 14 total rebounds
- 2 blocks
Michael Roberts
- 12 total rebounds
- 2 blocks
- 1 steal
Joshua Davis
- 5 assists
Joshua Joe
- 3 steals
Period Recaps
Period 1
- LeTourneau outscored the Tigers 42-29, demonstrating offensive efficiency.
- LeTourneau capitalized on turnovers, scoring 14 points off turnovers compared to the Tigers' 6.
- ETBU struggled with shooting efficiency, making 10 of 34 field goals, while LeTourneau made 17 of 38.
Period 2
- ETBU scored 48 points in the second half, outperforming LeTourneau's 36 points.
-
Colin Roberts of the Tigers contributed significantly with several offensive rebounds and layups, helping his team maintain the lead.
- Both teams capitalized on turnovers, with ETBU forcing 10 turnovers and LeTourneau forcing 13, resulting in a close and competitive half.
