ABILENE, Texas — After a hard-fought first half, East Texas Baptist University (15-5, 1-1 ASC) fell to Hardin-Simmons (16-3, 2-0 ASC), 60-52, at the Mabee Complex. The Tigers led by four points at the end of the first quarter but struggled with turnovers, committing 27, which led to 31 points for Hardin-Simmons. Despite five blocks and holding a five-rebound margin, ETBU could not withstand Hardin-Simmons' decisive 25-point fourth quarter.
Marley Keith scored 16 points, converting 5 of 9 field goals, including 4 of 7 from beyond the arc.
Macey Jones added 10 points and recorded three blocks while collecting seven rebounds.
Hannah Ayala contributed significantly on the boards, securing 14 rebounds and adding eight points.
Tiffany Bickford finished with 11 points, making all six of her free throw attempts.
The Tigers opened with assertive play, taking a 6–2 lead at 6:55 with a fast-break layup by
Anna Beamsderfer, assisted by Keith. Despite turnovers, they maintained momentum with a crucial 3-pointer by Bickford at 5:00, pushing their advantage to 9–6. Hardin-Simmons kept the game tight, narrowing the gap to 11–9, but ETBU held firm. Closing the quarter, Bickford hit two free throws with 6 seconds left, securing a 15–11 lead for the Tigers.
ETBU gained momentum midway through the second quarter with a pivotal sequence of three-pointers. Keith's back-to-back three-pointers, the first at 4:04 and the second at 3:42, extended their lead to nine points. Despite Hardin-Simmons cutting into the lead with a late layup, ETBU maintained its advantage, closing the quarter ahead 28–25.
The Tigers seized momentum in the third quarter with an early layup by Jones at 9:20, assisted by Ayala, pushing their lead to five. Despite turnovers that briefly allowed Hardin-Simmons to close the gap, ETBU maintained control. Ayala contributed crucial free throws at 2:04, extending the lead to three points. A late surge, highlighted by Keith's three-pointer at 0:21, solidified their advantage. The quarter concluded with ETBU leading 41–35.
ETBU saw a pivotal moment early in the fourth quarter as Keith converted a layup at 8:04, briefly extending their lead. However, Hardin-Simmons responded with a 3-pointer at 9:06, shifting momentum. Despite efforts from the Tigers, including a 3-pointer by Keith at the 42-second mark, they struggled with turnovers, accumulating eight in the quarter. Hardin-Simmons capitalized on these errors, outscoring ETBU 25-11 in the quarter. The game concluded with a final score of 60-52 in favor of Hardin-Simmons.
GAME BY GAME QUICKHITTERS
First Quarter
- ETBU capitalized on early opportunities, converting two free throws by Smith at 9:28 to open scoring.
- Jones extended the lead with a jumper at 8:28, assisted by Smith, setting a steady pace for the Tigers.
- Hardin-Simmons tied the game at 6:26 with a jumper, but ETBU responded with a 3-pointer by Bickford at 5:00.
- The Tigers maintained a 15–11 lead at the end of the first quarter.
Second Quarter
- Hardin-Simmons capitalized on ETBU turnovers, scoring seven points off turnovers while maintaining defensive pressure throughout the quarter.
- HSU tied the score early with a free throw at 9:15, but Jones quickly answered with a fast-break layup for the Tigers to regain the lead.
- Keith nailed back-to-back 3-pointers at 4:04 and 3:42, extending their lead to nine points.
- Hardin-Simmons closed the gap with a late score at 0:02, bringing the score to 28–25 in favor of ETBU at halftime.
Third Quarter
- ETBU opened with a pair of layups by Jones, establishing an early 32–27 lead.
- Hardin-Simmons narrowed the gap to 34–33 with a jumper at 3:14.
- Ayala extended the Tigers' lead to 38–33 with a layup at 1:02, following an offensive rebound by Smith.
- Keith hit a 3-pointer with 21 seconds left, closing the quarter at 41–35 in favor of ETBU.
Fourth Quarter
- Hardin-Simmons took control with a key 3-pointer at 9:06, shifting momentum early in the quarter.
- ETBU responded with a layup from Bickford at 7:15, briefly reclaiming the lead.
- The home team capitalized on turnovers, sparking a 12-point surge off turnovers in the quarter, including a layup at 2:35.
- Hardin-Simmons closed with a solid free-throw performance, securing a 60–52 victory.
ETBU will remain on the road, facing Mary Hardin-Baylor in Belton on Saturday, February 7th, at 1:00 p.m.
Tigers Top Performers
Marley Keith
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- 16 points
- 4 3-pointers
- 2 assists
Macey Jones
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- 10 points
- 3 blocks
- 7 rebounds
Hannah Ayala
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- 14 rebounds
- 8 points
- 1 block
Tiffany Bickford
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- 11 points
- 6/6 free throws made
- 4 rebounds
