BROWNWOOD, Texas - With the season on the line in the American Southwest Conference play-in game for the fourth seed, East Texas Baptist fell to Howard Payne 81-71 at Brownwood Coliseum. The game saw ETBU struggle with shooting, converting 27-of-74 baskets and only 3-of-14 from beyond the arc. Howard Payne capitalized on their opportunities, out-rebounding ETBU 51-43 and scoring 50 points in the paint. ETBU ends their season at 6-20.
 
Jason Justice led the Tigers with 30 points, making 13 of 26 shot attempts. Michael Roberts contributed with 15 total rebounds and two blocked shots. JT Curry added 13 points and nine rebounds.
 
In the first half, the Tigers faced a challenging start against Howard Payne as the YellowJackets jumped out to an 11-0 lead. The Tigers struggled initially with missed opportunities in the paint, but Michael Roberts scored their first points with a layup at 13:28. The visiting team began to find their rhythm midway through the half. Colin Roberts also had a notable impact with a crucial layup at 8:18, with Jason Justice scoring a 3-pointer at 5:53 to narrow the gap. Despite a late rally from the Tigers, Howard Payne maintained their lead, ending the half ahead at 44-39.
 
In the second half, ETBU's Colin Roberts made an early impact with an offensive rebound and a tip-in at 19:37, contributing to the team's effort to close the gap. ETBU struggled with turnovers throughout the half, totaling nine, while Howard Payne capitalized on fast breaks. Despite some missed opportunities, the Tigers kept pace with Howard Payne, with Jason Justice scoring consistently, including a 3-pointer at 12:44 and several layups, to keep the game close. JT Curry also added to the scoring with a layup at 6:48, while the team capitalized on free throw opportunities to remain within striking distance. Despite a strong effort from Jason Justice, who scored multiple layups, the Tigers couldn't overcome HPU's early lead, falling to the YellowJackets, 81-71
 

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ETBU Top Performers
Jason Justice
- 13/26 baskets made
- 30 points
- 2 assists
 
Michael Roberts
- 4/10 baskets made
- 15 total rebounds
- 2 blocks
 
JT Curry
- 4/9 baskets made
- 13 points
- 9 total rebounds