ABILENE, Texas — Carrying a halftime advantage, East Texas Baptist University (6-15, 0-2 ASC) fell to Hardin-Simmons University (13-8, 2-0 ASC) 80-68 on Saturday at Mabee Complex. ETBU held a five-point lead at halftime, but Hardin-Simmons surged in the second half with a 55-point performance. Despite ETBU's efforts, including 28 points in the paint and 27 bench points, Hardin-Simmons capitalized on free throws, making 23 of 32 attempts, to secure the victory.

ETBU opened the game with a layup by Michael Roberts at 19:41, setting the pace early. Joshua Joe contributed significantly with a steady presence in the paint, scoring a layup at 15:30 to tie the score at 6, and later assisting Nathan Fleming's dunk at 13:29, which helped extend ETBU's lead to 10–6. ETBU maintained control throughout the half, especially from the free-throw line, where Orlando Gooden III capitalized on a technical foul by Hardin-Simmons to push the score to 17–8. Despite some defensive pressure from Hardin-Simmons, ETBU held a 30–25 advantage at the end of the first half, showcasing their depth with 18 bench points.

ETBU started the second half strong, with Shad Levy scoring an assisted layup from Roberts just 12 seconds in. However, HSU quickly responded and seized momentum with a series of layups, including a fast-break play by Trevion Howell at 18:46. ETBU managed to regain a slight edge with Gooden's 3-pointer at 16:51, HSU countered with a strong inside presence, ultimately leading 55-38 during the half. Despite efforts from ETBU, including Jack Pease's late 3-pointers, the home team maintained control. The game concluded with Hardin-Simmons winning 80-68.

First Half
- ETBU opened with a strong performance, scoring through Roberts' layup at 19:41 and maintaining momentum with consistent interior play.
- Hardin-Simmons briefly led following a 3-pointer by Chris Bryant at 17:36, but ETBU responded quickly with a series of scores, including a fast-break dunk by Fleming at 13:29.
- A significant sequence for ETBU occurred at 8:09, as Gooden hit a 3-pointer, extending their lead to a double-digit margin.
- ETBU took a 30–25 lead into halftime.

Second Half
- ETBU opened the half with a layup by Levy at 19:48, assisted by Roberts, setting an early tone.
- Hardin-Simmons responded with a layup and free throw from Howell at 18:46, reducing the deficit to one point.
- At 10:20, Asher Fleming's 3-pointer gave Hardin-Simmons a four-point advantage, contributing to a critical momentum shift.
- Hardin-Simmons outscored ETBU in the paint 34–14, securing a 55–38 victory in the second half.

ETBU will remain on the road, facing Mary Hardin-Baylor in Belton on Saturday, February 7th, at 3:00 p.m. 

ETBU Top Performers  

Michael Roberts  
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- 12 points  
- 12 rebounds  
- 3 steals  
- 2 blocks  

Orlando Gooden III  
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- 20 points  
- 7/13 field goals made  
- 4/6 free throws made  

Jack Pease  
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- 13 points  
- 3/4 three-pointers made  
- 4 assists  

Nathan Fleming  
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- 7 points  
- 13 rebounds  
- 1 block