MARSHALL, Texas — An offensive avalanche gave East Texas Baptist University (15-4, 1-0 ASC) the win in a 76-43 home conference opener against The University of Mary Hardin-Baylor (6-14, 0-1 ASC). The Tigers saw the court well with 18 assists, going 12-27 from beyond the arc. Defensively, ETBU forced 25 turnovers and limited the Crusaders' scoring opportunities.
Sarah Cowan contributed 12 points, connecting on three 3-pointers and adding two steals.
Anna Beamsderfer led the Tigers with 15 points, shooting 6-of-8 from the field.
Tiffany Bickford added 12 points, making four 3-pointers and recording three steals,
Hannah Ayala scored 13 while
Conley Gibson recorded five assists.
The Tigers opened the game with strong defensive pressure and efficient shooting, establishing control early. Ayala led the charge with two quick baskets, including a jumper and a 3-pointer, pushing the home team's lead to 10–2 midway through the quarter. The Tigers capitalized on turnovers, totaling 8 points off turnovers, while Mary Hardin-Baylor struggled with ball security, committing 7 turnovers. The quarter concluded with ETBU leading 18–6 after a balanced scoring effort.
ETBU increased its lead with a strong showing in the second quarter, highlighted by
Tristan Smith's three-pointer at 9:22, assisted by Ayala. The home team also benefited from
Marley Keith's layup at 2:33, extending the margin. Despite the Crusaders' efforts to close the gap, the quarter concluded with the Tigers ahead 36-22 at halftime.
The Tigers surged ahead in the third quarter with a decisive 23–9 run.
Macey Jones initiated the scoring with a jumper at 9:01, assisted by Keith, which set the tone for the quarter. Key contributions included Cowan's fast-break layup following her steal at 8:09 and multiple 3-point shots from Keith and Bickford. ETBU capitalized on Mary Hardin-Baylor's turnovers, converting them into points and maintaining control throughout the quarter. The quarter concluded with the Tigers leading 59–31.
ETBU extended its control in the fourth quarter, opening with a quick five-point surge, highlighted by Ayala's three-point play at 9:38. The home team maintained its lead through efficient shooting, with Ayala contributing a crucial three-pointer at 8:48. The Tigers' defensive efforts were also notable, as they recorded steals and key rebounds, limiting Mary Hardin-Baylor's scoring opportunities. The game concluded with ETBU securing a 76-43 victory, outscoring the Crusaders 17-12 in the final quarter.
ETBU will have a week off before facing Howard Payne in Ornelas Gymnasium next Saturday at 1:00 p.m.
Tigers Top Performers
Anna Beamsderfer
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- 15 points
- 6/8 field goals made
- 4 rebounds
Hannah Ayala
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- 13 points
- 5/7 field goals made
- 5 rebounds
Tiffany Bickford
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- 12 points
- 4 3-pointers
- 3 steals
Sarah Cowan
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- 12 points
- 3 3-pointers
- 2 steals
