LOS ANGELES, CA— In a game that saw the Tigers' bench score 21 points and
Jack Pease record a season high of 23 points, East Texas Baptist University (3-12 Overall, 0-0 ASC) fell to Occidental College (8-1 Overall,1-0 SCIAC). 69-58 in a non-conference matchup at Rush Gymnasium. The Tigers trailed by nine points at halftime and could not overcome Occidental's balanced scoring and ten blocked shots.
Pease led the team with 23 points, converting 10 of his 25 field goal attempts.
Nathan Fleming recorded a game-high 18 rebounds and added six blocks to anchor the defense.
Christian Dews contributed significantly on the boards, collecting 12 rebounds.
Orlando Gooden III added 11 points while also tallying two steals and three assists.
ETBU started the first half with a jumper from
Silas Smith at 19:31 to tie the game. Despite strong defensive efforts, including four blocks and four steals, the Tigers struggled to keep pace with Occidental, who executed in the paint. Pease closed the half with a fast-break layup at the 2-second mark, narrowing the gap to end the half with a 34–25 deficit.
The Tigers initiated some momentum in the second half with a fast break 3-pointer by Pease at 13:47, narrowing the deficit to 48–37. Gooden III made impactful contributions, assisting and scoring on a layup at 12:48 to bring the score to 53–39. ETBU faced challenges, as Occidental maintained a scoring advantage through the half. The Tigers closed the second half with a 3-pointer by Smith at 0:17, but Occidental led 69–58 at the end of the half.
ETBU holds a 3-12 overall record. Occidental stands at 8-1 overall and 1-0 in SCIAC competition. They will head to La Verne, California, to face the Leopards at 3:00 p.m.
Tiger Top Performers
Jack Pease
----------------------
- 23 points
- 10 field goals made
- 2/8 three-pointers made
Nathan Fleming
----------------------
- 6 points
- 6 blocks
- 18 rebounds
Orlando Gooden III
----------------------
- 11 points
- 2 steals
- 3 assists
Christian Dews
----------------------
- 12 rebounds
- 2 assists
Silas Smith
----------------------
- 10 points
- 4/7 field goals made
