WEST HARTFORD, Conn. — A total team effort catapults the Tigers to a huge win as East Texas BaptistUniversity (13-4, 0-0 ASC) defeated Saint Joseph (CT) (2-10, 0-0 Great Northeast), 83-53, at James A. Calhoun Gymnasium. The Tigers capitalized on 28 Saint Joseph turnovers, converting them into 35 points, with 10 different players scoring.
Macey Jones scored 25 points on 11 of 14 shooting and added three blocks, spearheading the team's offensive efforts.
Hannah Ayala secured a double-double with 11 points and a team-high 10 rebounds, along with four assists.
Tristan Smith was defensively strong, recording six steals while adding seven points.
Marley Keith and Sara Cowan each collected two steals.
ETBU opened the first quarter with quickly, initiating play as
Macey Jones scored a layup assisted by
Tristan Smith at 9:41. The Tigers extended their lead with a 3-pointer from Sara Cowan off a fast break, assisted by
Marley Keith at 8:40. Jones secured multiple offensive rebounds and key points in the paint, including a tip-in at 3:13. By utilizing turnovers and fast breaks, the Tigers built a solid advantage. The quarter concluded with ETBU leading Saint Joseph (CT) 20–10.
The Tigers seized control in the second quarter with a commanding 24-point performance, highlighted by a series of impactful plays from Jones, who contributed multiple layups. Strong defensive efforts marked the quarter as ETBU forced seven turnovers, converting these into points, with Ayala recording both a steal and an assist. The team dominated the paint, scoring 22 points in the paint, and led comfortably at the end of the quarter, 44–22.
ETBU strengthened its lead in the third quarter with a decisive 12-2 run in the paint early on. Jones scored points from the free-throw line and added a layup with just 38 seconds remaining. Cowan and Smith were instrumental in defense, each recording multiple steals. The quarter ended with the Tigers outscoring Saint Joseph (CT) 18-12, advancing the game to 62-34.
The Tigers maintained control in the fourth quarter.
Reagan Eilers recorded a defensive rebound and a layup, followed by a successful free throw at 7:15, extending their lead to 67-34. Ayala's three-pointer at 5:24 further solidified their lead, pushing the score to 70-38.
Conley Gibson closed the quarter with a three-pointer at 0:19, cementing the final victory margin. The game concluded with ETBU defeating Saint Joseph (CT) 83-53.
ETBU improved to 13-4 overall following their victory and will face Salve Regina at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday in Rhode Island.
Tiger Top Performers
Macey Jones
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- 25 points
- 11 field goals made
- 3 blocks
- 6 rebounds
Hannah Ayala
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- 11 points
- 10 rebounds
- 4 assists
- 2 steals
Tristan Smith
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- 6 steals
- 7 points
- 3 rebounds
Marley Keith
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- 5 points
- 3/4 free throws made
- 2 steals
