MARSHALL, Texas — In a contested game on Senior Day in Ornelas Gymnasim East Texas Baptist University (7-18, 1-5 ASC) fell to Hardin-Simmons (16-9, 5-1 ASC) 91-83. The game was tight, with both teams exchanging leads four times and tying the score on eight occasions. ETBU capitalized on second-chance opportunities, scoring 13 points, but HSU's dominance in the paint, with 54 points, proved decisive.
Shad Levy led the scoring effort with 25 points, converting eight field goals, including three from beyond the arc.
Michael Roberts contributed with 11 points and dominated the boards, recording 10 rebounds while also making two steals.
Christian Dews added 14 points and was efficient from the field, making five of six attempts, while also securing nine rebounds.
Jack Pease showcased his defensive skills with three steals and facilitated the offense with five assists.
Orlando Gooden II put up 13 points and a rebound, and
Nathan Fleming recorded 13 points as well with three rebounds.
The Tigers started the game by matching the Cowboys point for point, resulting in seven ties throughout the first half. Dews was active early, contributing key points in the paint and securing defensive rebounds. Despite a balanced attack that included Gooden's fastbreak layup and Levy's 3-pointer at 3:21, the Tigers faced challenges containing HSU's scoring in the paint. The half ended with the Tigers trailing 33–31.
In the second half, ETBU made a concerted push to close the gap, highlighted by Levy's key 3-pointer at the 14:43 mark, which helped narrow the score. Despite Dews and Fleming's adding crucial points in the paint, HSU maintained a lead with efficient scoring and free throws. Roberts contributed consistently across both scoring and rebounding. Although ETBU made attempts to rally, the half concluded with Hardin-Simmons holding a 58-52 advantage. The game ended with Hardin-Simmons winning 91-83.
ETBU will return to the American Southwest Conference Tournament on Friday at Hardin-Simmons University in Abilene.
Quick Game Summary
First Half
- Early in the half, Hardin-Simmons capitalized on second-chance opportunities, scoring off offensive rebounds to maintain momentum.
- ETBU responded with effective play in the paint, tying the game at 6 with a layup from Dews at 16:16.
- Hardin-Simmons held a narrow lead by converting fast break opportunities, including a layup by Tyler Williams at 6:16.
- The half concluded with a close contest, as Silas Davis hit a jumper in the paint for Hardin-Simmons at 0:04, giving it a 33–31 lead at the break.
Second Half
- Hardin-Simmons opened with a strong start, scoring two consecutive layups by Myles Amason at 19:41 and 19:01, extending its lead.
- ETBU responded with a sequence of scores, including a layup by Levy at 17:34, narrowing the deficit.
- Hardin-Simmons maintained its momentum with fast breaks, highlighted by Tyler Williams' dunk at 11:24, pushing the lead further.
- Hardin-Simmons won the half, outscoring the Tigers 58–52, and finished the game with a 91–83 victory.
ETBU Top Performers
Shad Levy
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- 25 points
- 8/16 field goals made
- 3/4 three-pointers made
- 6/7 free throws made
Christian Dews
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- 14 points
- 5/6 field goals made
- 9 rebounds
- 2 steals
Michael Roberts
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- 11 points
- 7/9 free throws made
- 10 rebounds
- 2 steals
Nathan Fleming
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- 13 points
- 5/9 field goals made
- 3 rebounds
Orlando Gooden II
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- 13 points
- 2 assists
- 1 rebound
