MARSHALL, Texas — In a high-scoring second half, East Texas Baptist University (16-6, 2-2 ASC) defeated Howard Payne University (12-12, 2-2 ASC), 76-61, in a conference matchup at Ornelas Gymnasium. The Tigers capitalized on 20 turnovers, converting them into 20 points, and maintained a 41-39 rebounding advantage. The home team also outscored Howard Payne by 12 points at the free-throw line, making 21 of 27 attempts. The game saw four ties, but ETBU took control with a strong second quarter, outscoring its opponents 19-9.
Marley Keith scored 19 points and made four 3-pointers while also recording four steals.
Macey Jones contributed 18 points, converting seven field goals.
Hannah Ayala collected 11 rebounds, including nine on the defensive end.
Tristan Smith added 12 points and grabbed 11 rebounds, making seven free throws.
ETBU opened the game with strong defensive pressure, converting turnovers into points, including a key steal by Keith that led to a 3-pointer, putting them ahead 6-3 at 6:37. Despite Howard Payne managing to tie the game multiple times, ETBU consistently responded, highlighted by
Tiffany Bickford's 3-pointer at 2:40, extending their lead to 13-8. ETBU maintained a narrow advantage throughout the quarter, ultimately leading 15-14 at the end of the first.
ETBU surged ahead in the second quarter with a dynamic offensive stretch highlighted by a 10-point lead at the 2:29 mark. Keith's fast break layup at 5:03 extended their advantage, and she later contributed with a 3-pointer at 1:16, increasing their cushion. Howard Payne struggled to convert on their opportunities, shooting 3-for-16 from the field. ETBU capitalized on their opponent's offensive missteps, closing the quarter ahead 34-23.
ETBU extended their lead with a solid performance in the third quarter, highlighted by a 12-point stretch between 6:40 and 2:16. Smith contributed significantly with a 3-pointer and additional points from the free-throw line, while Bickford added a layup following a steal. Howard Payne struggled to keep pace despite a late 3-pointer at the buzzer. The quarter concluded with ETBU leading 56-42.
ETBU opened the fourth quarter with a quick jumper by Jones, assisted by Sara Cowan, at 9:46, setting the tone for a strong stretch. The team extended its lead with consistent scoring, highlighted by a 3-pointer from Cowan at 4:50. Defensive plays, including multiple steals and rebounds, maintained their momentum and minimized Howard Payne's opportunities to close the gap.
Despite Howard Payne's efforts, including a series of free throws, ETBU's lead remained secure. Smith's strong performance with a jumper and a subsequent free throw at 3:56 further solidified their position. The quarter concluded with ETBU outscoring Howard Payne 20–19, ending the game with a decisive 76–61 victory.
The Tigers will face Howard Payne again this Saturday in Brownwood at 1:00 p.m.
Game Highlights
First Quarter
- ETBU capitalized on Howard Payne's early turnovers, with Smith converting two free throws at 8:29, to take a 3–2 lead.
- Howard Payne answered with a 3-pointer from Amaris Ambriz at 4:50, tying the score at 6–6.
- ETBU gained momentum with a 3-pointer by Bickford at 2:40, extending their lead to 13–8.
- ETBU held a narrow 15–14 lead at the end of the first quarter.
Second Quarter
- ETBU began with strong defensive play, as Ayala's steal at 9:10 led to an early score by Anna Beamesderfer, pushing them ahead 17–14.
- Keith's fastbreak layup at 5:03 extended the home team's lead during a sequence where they capitalized on turnovers.
- ETBU found success from beyond the arc, highlighted by Keith's 3-pointer at 2:58, extending their advantage to 29–18.
- ETBU ended the quarter with a 34–23 lead, outscoring Howard Payne 19–9 in the quarter.
Third Quarter
- ETBU opened the quarter with offensive momentum, scoring eight points in the paint early, including a fast-break jumper by Cowan at 9:07.
- Midway through the quarter, Smith's three-pointer at 6:40 extended the lead to 42–30.
- A strong defensive effort helped ETBU maintain control, with Ayala securing multiple defensive rebounds.
- ETBU closed the quarter with a 56–42 lead.
Fourth Quarter
- ETBU opened with a jumper from Jones at 9:46, assisted by Cowan, maintaining their lead.
- Howard Payne's Hope Hermesmeyer scored consecutive jumpers at 8:27 and 7:54, cutting into the deficit.
- ETBU responded with a 7-0 run, capped by a layup and free throw from Keith at 7:44.
- ETBU secured the victory, finishing the quarter with a 76-61 win.
Tiger Top Performers
Marley Keith
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- 19 points
- 4 3-pointers
- 4 steals
Macey Jones
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- 18 points
- 7 field goals made
Hannah Ayala
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- 11 rebounds
- 4 points
Tristan Smith
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- 12 points
- 7/9 free throws made
- 11 rebounds
Tiffany Bickford
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- 10 points
- 3 steals
