NEWPORT NEWS, Va. — In a nail-biter East Texas Baptist University (5-13) fell to Chris. Newport (15-3) 61-59 in a closely contested matchup at the Freeman Center. ETBU led by as many as five points in the second half but were unable to maintain their advantage. Chris. Newport secured the win by capitalizing on free throws, scoring 8 of their 10 in the second half.
The game began with a back-and-forth exchange, but ETBU quickly took the lead with a 5-point run fueled by
Christian Dews and a three-pointer from
Jack Pease at 17:37. They maintained a competitive edge, trading leads with Chris. Newport multiple times.
Michael Roberts contributed significantly by scoring a layup at 10:44 and assisting on a three-pointer by
Nathan Fleming at 8:35, which tied the game at 19–19. ETBU faced challenges defensively, giving up key points in the paint and on fast breaks, and they ended the half trailing 32–26.
ETBU surged early in the second half with a quick dunk by Roberts at 19:44, assisted by Joshua Joe, which narrowed the gap to four points.
Shad Levy's layup at 17:22, following a steal by Joe, tied the game at 36. Fleming then gave the Tigers the lead with a fast-break layup at 16:43, assisted by Levy.
ETBU maintained a narrow advantage as Roberts contributed consistently with a free throw to edge ahead 41–40 at 14:09. Despite Chris. Newport's efforts to reclaim the lead, Joe's three-pointer at 8:04, assisted by Roberts, helped ETBU regain a slim advantage at 50–49. However, Chris. Newport managed to edge ahead by the half's end, as ETBU concluded the game slightly behind, 61–59. Chris. Newport claimed the victory, 61–59.
Michael Roberts scored 17 points and recorded 10 rebounds, contributing significantly on both ends.
Jack Pease added 12 points while dishing out four assists.
Nathan Fleming finished with 11 points, converting 4 of 7 field goals. Joe posted nine points and collected seven rebounds, providing additional support in the backcourt.
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- 17 points
- 10 rebounds
- 3 assists
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- 12 points
- 4 assists
- 1 steal
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- 11 points
- 1/2 three-pointers made
- 2 rebounds
Joshua Joe
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- 9 points
- 7 rebounds
- 4 assists
ETBU holds a record of 5-13 after the recent game. Chris. Newport stands at 15-3 on the season. The tigers will return to action tomorrow taking on Salisbury at 1:00 p.m (CST)
