BROWNWOOD, Texas — In their second showdown of the week, East Texas Baptist (7-17, 1-4 ASC) fell to Howard Payne (13-11, 1-4 ASC) 104-86 on Saturday at Brownwood Coliseum. Despite a 44-point effort in the paint and 31 points from the bench, ETBU was unable to overcome Howard Payne's 15 successful three-pointers. HPU capitalized on second-chance opportunities, scoring 19 points from 18 offensive rebounds to secure the victory.

ETBU began the first half with a steady offensive effort, highlighted by Christian Dews' early layup at 18:25. Despite facing a barrage of three-pointers from HPU, the Tigers remained competitive with contributions from Michael Roberts, who notched key points including a jumper at 10:22 and a pair of free throws at 6:18. ETBU ended the half trailing Howard Payne by a 53-44 margin.

ETBU started the second half with a strong performance, as Dews completed a three-point play at 17:28 to cut Howard Payne's lead to 11 points. Despite efforts from Jack Pease and Shad Levy, who each scored key baskets, the Tigers struggled to close the gap as HPU maintained a steady scoring pace. Antone Stewart IV contributed a pair of three-pointers late in the half, but the Yellow Jackets consistent shooting ultimately extended its lead. The half ended with HPU leading 104–86. 

Shad Levy scored 14 points, leading ETBU with six field goals. Nathan Fleming recorded 14 points and collected 11 rebounds, while also adding two steals. Pease contributed 10 points and dished out six assists. Dews posted 13 points and blocked two shots, & five rebounds.

First Half
- Howard Payne began with a robust start, converting 10 of 18 3-point attempts in the half.
- ETBU found success inside, scoring 24 points in the paint.
- Ben Phillip of Howard Payne contributed significantly with multiple assists and a solid defensive rebound.
- At halftime, Howard Payne held a 53–44 advantage.

Second Half  
- Howard Payne opened strong, with Phillip assisting on a fast-break 3-pointer by Jordan McClendon to extend the lead.  
- ETBU's Dews completed a three-point play to narrow the gap, followed by a layup from Levy.  
- Fleming's dunk and an assist from Orlando Gooden III kept the visitors within reach, but Howard Payne maintained momentum with consistent scoring.  
- At the final buzzer, Howard Payne secured the victory with a score of 104–86.

The Tigers will return to Orneals Gym on February 21 for a 3:00 p.m. matchup against Hardin-Simmons University 


ETBU Top Performers

Michael Roberts
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- 13 points  
- 5/6 free throws made  
- 6 rebounds  

Shad Levy  
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- 14 points  
- 6 field goals made  
- 2 rebounds  

Jack Pease  
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- 10 points  
- 6 assists  
- 1 steal  

Christian Dews  
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- 13 points  
- 2 blocks  
- 5 rebounds  

Nathan Fleming  
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- 14 points  
- 11 rebounds  
- 2 steals