LeTourneau LETU 8-17,2-6 ASC

East Tex. Baptist ETBU 21-4,8-0 ASC

LeTourneau LETU

8-17,2-6 ASC

Final

Feb. 20, 2025

East Tex. Baptist ETBU

21-4,8-0 ASC

Score By Periods
Team	1	2	3	4	F
LeTourneau LETU	9	12	12	13	46
East Tex. Baptist ETBU	22	18	20	21	81

Summary
Box Score

Game Recap: Women's Basketball | 2/20/2025 10:35:00 PM | FanWord AI Story

#TIGERSWIN | WBB | No. 23 ETBU Finishes Regular Season 10-0 in Ornelas Gym

MARSHALL, Texas - Securing a decisive victory over LeTourneau University, no. 23 East Texas Baptist University (21-4, 8-0 ASC) finished the regular season undefeated in Ornelas Gym and the American Southwest Conference, 81-46 on Thursday night. This victory marked their 16th straight win over LeTourneau, and they finished the regular season at 21-4. This marks the second time they have finished undefeated in the ASC in four years.

Payton Hicks emerged as a key player for ETBU, leading the team with 11 rebounds, all of which were defensive. Kadia Ward contributed significantly with three steals and five assists. Hannah Ayala led the team with 12 points, tied with Tiffany Bickford, who excelled at the free-throw line by making all eight attempts. Madison Hurta and Macey Jones both added 10 points.

East Texas Baptist opened the scoring with Payton Hicks' layup at 8:52, sparking a series of fast-break points. Ward contributed significantly with a steal and layup at 6:11, pushing the home team's lead. Ayala capped the first quarter with a layup at 0:09, securing a 22-9 advantage for the Tigers. This quarter was part of ETBU's impressive defensive run this season, as they have held opponents to single-digit scoring for the 21st time this season.

In the second quarter, ETBU secured an 18-12 scoring advantage over LeTourneau. Hurta initiated the scoring with a three-pointer at 9:26, followed by a fast-break layup from Hicks at 8:36, assisted by Hurta. The team also displayed strong defensive rebounding, led by Ayala and Bickford, which limited the Yellowjackets' second-chance opportunities. Jones closed the quarter with offensive rebounds and a layup at 00:19, extending the lead further, 40-21.

A strong performance by ETBU in the third quarter was highlighted by scoring 20 points while holding LETU to 12. Hicks secured multiple defensive rebounds and assisted Madison Hurta on a fast-break layup at 8:22. Ward added to the momentum with a layup at 8:44 and a tip-in at 4:00, while Bickford consistently capitalized on free throw opportunities, contributing to the team's solid free throw performance. The team's effective defense was evident with three steals and a decisive block by Jones at 3:46.

ETBU extended their lead over LeTourneau in the fourth quarter with a strong performance, scoring 21 points to the Yellowjackets' 13. Ayala's layup at 7:15 and Bickford's consecutive layups at 5:59 and 5:10 were key shots in the quarter. Marley Keith also played a pivotal role, contributing a three-point play with a layup and a free throw at 1:18, pushing the final score to 81-46. This victory sealed their second undefeated season at home in five years, finishing at 10-0.

ETBU will now host the ASC Tournament next Friday and Saturday and will play either LeTourneau or Howard Payne University.

Game Notes

- This is the seventh 20+ win season for ETBU in the last eight years and the fourth under head coach Blake Arbogast.

ETBU Top Performers

Payton Hicks

- 3/12 field goals made

- 11 total rebounds

- 3 assists

Kadia Ward

- 4/11 field goals made

- 8 total rebounds

- 3 steals