NEWPORT, R.I. — An offensive explosion gave East Texas Baptist (14-4, 0-0 ASC) an 81-46 victory over Salve Regina (6-8, 0-0 NEWMAC), at the Recreation Center, dominating with 44 points in the paint and forcing 24 turnovers.
Macey Jones scored 10 points and recorded five blocks, making a significant impact in the game. Anna Beamesderfer added 12 points and dished out six assists while collecting two steals. Sara Cowan posted eight points and contributed three steals, showcasing her defensive skills.
Tiffany Bickford tallied 11 points, successfully converting three shots from beyond the arc.
The Tigers played a complete game from start to finish, opening with a strong offensive performance, highlighted by a 3-pointer from
Hannah Ayala at 9:31, assisted by
Tristan Smith, to establish an early lead. The team capitalized on turnovers, converting them into fast-break points and maintaining pressure on Salve Regina. As the quarter progressed, ETBU extended its advantage with efficient shooting, including a 3-pointer by Bickford at 3:36, assisted by Cowan. Their defensive efforts, featuring blocks and steals, limited Salve Regina's scoring opportunities, allowing the Tigers to conclude the quarter leading 19–12.
ETBU gained momentum in the second quarter, highlighted by a strong start with Ayala scoring a layup just 15 seconds in, assisted by Jones. The team continued its dominance in the paint, with
Marley Keith and Beamesderfer each adding layups to extend the lead. Despite Salve Regina's attempts to close the gap, including a fast-break jumper from Marissa Forino, ETBU's disciplined defense, marked by three blocks, limited Salve Regina's scoring opportunities.
Jones further contributed with a tip-in at 1:36, maintaining the pressure on Salve Regina. ETBU's efficient ball movement resulted in four assists, while maintaining a solid defense with 12 rebounds. The quarter concluded with ETBU outscoring Salve Regina 18–12, leading 37–24 at halftime.
In the third quarter, ETBU pulled away with a 23–5 scoring advantage. Jones and Cowan led the charge, with Jones contributing a key layup at the 1:40 mark, extending their lead to 58–27. Strong defensive play, including six steals and two blocks, prevented Salve Regina from gaining any momentum. The quarter concluded with ETBU holding a commanding lead, 60–29.
ETBU asserted control early in the fourth quarter with a 3-pointer from Bickford at 9:48, assisted by
Conley Gibson, extending their lead. Despite turnovers, ETBU maintained their advantage with a combination of inside and perimeter scoring, highlighted by a 3-pointer from
Dana Barnett at 5:31, assisted by Beamesderfer. Gibson further contributed with a layup at 3:16, pushing the lead to 76–39.
Salve Regina attempted to respond with a 3-pointer from Devin LeBrun at 5:54, but ETBU's balanced attack and defensive efforts, including a crucial defensive rebound and subsequent layup by
Reagan Eilers at 4:38, solidified their dominance. The quarter concluded with ETBU outscoring Salve Regina 21–17, and the game ended with a decisive victory for the Tigers, 81–46.
The Tigers improved to 14-4 on the season and will open conference play against Mary Hardin-Baylor at 1:00 p.m. next Saturday in Ornelas Gymnasium.
Tiger Top Performers:
Macey Jones
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- 10 points
- 5 blocks
- 4 rebounds
Anna Beamesderfer
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- 12 points
- 6 assists
- 2 steals
Tiffany Bickford
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- 11 points
- 3 3-pointers
- 4 rebounds
Sara Cowan
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- 8 points
- 3 steals
- 2 assists
