MARSHALL, Texas — A competitive first half fell flat in a conference opener against the Crusaders. East Texas Baptist Men's Basketball (6-14, 0-1 ASC) fell to Mary Hardin-Baylor (14-6, 1-0 ASC) 71-62 at Ornelas Gymnasium. The Tigers trailed by four at halftime and was unable to overcome the deficit, despite a strong performance at the free-throw line, converting 23 of 32 attempts. UMHB took the edge in second-chance points, totaling 23, which proved crucial in maintaining their lead throughout the second half.
Nathan Fleming led the team with 20 points, converting 6 of 11 field goals and 6 of 8 free throws, while also recording 10 rebounds.
Michael Roberts contributed with 15 points and collected a team-high 13 rebounds.
Jack Pease provided support with five assists and added six points. Joshua Joe stood out defensively with two steals and chipped in six points.
Shad Levy recorded seven points and a steal to help the Tigers.
The game began with ETBU taking an early lead as Roberts hit two free throws within the first minute. Roberts continued to be a key player, contributing a layup and a three-pointer, assisted by
Orlando Gooden III, to keep the score close. Despite trading leads with the Crusaders, ETBU managed to maintain momentum through several ties and brief leads, highlighted by Fleming's fastbreak layup at 13:34. However, late free throws and a three-pointer by Mary Hardin-Baylor shifted the advantage, and the half concluded with Mary Hardin-Baylor leading 37-33.
The Tigers made a notable push in the second half, with Fleming contributing a key three-pointer at 14:07, reducing UMHB's lead to one point. Despite the home teams' efforts, including a strong performance at the free-throw line, where they made 16 of 22 attempts, UMHB extended its lead. The visitors capitalized on fast-break opportunities, outscoring ETBU 34-29 in the half. The game concluded with the Crusaders securing a 71-62 victory.
Quick Hitters:
First Half
- Roberts started strong for ETBU, converting two free throws at 19:36 to open scoring and later adding a layup at 18:16.
- UMHB took the lead at 12:25 with a fastbreak jumper by Josiah Wray and maintained momentum with defensive rebounds.
- The Tigers regained control with a 7–0 run, highlighted by a 3-pointer from Fleming at 13:06, pushing them ahead 15–11.
- The Crusaders closed the half with a late jumper by Hudson Johnson at 00:49, leading 37–33 at the break.
Second Half
- UMHB opened the half with a strong offensive surge, highlighted by a 3-pointer from Donta Coady at 17:37, pushing their lead to 43–35.
- ETBU responded with a 9–2 run, including a 3-pointer by Fleming at 14:07, cutting the deficit to one point at 45–44.
- The Crusaders countered with a decisive 15–1 stretch from 7:45, capped by a fast-break layup from Hudson Johnson at 5:29, extending their lead to 63–50.
- Mary Hardin-Baylor secured a 71–62 victory, outscoring the Tigers 34–29 in the second half.
The Tigers will continue conference play, facing Hardin-Simmons in Abilene on Saturday at 3:00 p.m.
Tiger Top Performers
Nathan Fleming
----------------------
- 20 points
- 2 blocks
- 3 steals
- 10 rebounds
Michael Roberts
----------------------
- 15 points
- 6/7 free throws made
- 13 rebounds
Jack Pease
----------------------
- 6 points
- 5 assists
- 1 steal
Joshua Joe
----------------------
- 6 points
- 2 steals
- 2 assists
Shad Levy
----------------------
- 7 points
- 1 rebound
- 1 steal
