MARSHALL, Texas — On Senior night in Ornelas Gymnasium, East Texas Baptist University (16-8, 2-4 ASC) fell to the Hardin-Simmons University (20-5, 5-1 ASC), 65-52. Despite a strong 42-rebound performance, ETBU struggled with turnovers, committing 17, which resulted in 13 points for HSU. The visitors capitalized on a balanced attack, including 10 three-pointers, to maintain their lead throughout the game.
Hannah Ayala recorded a double-double with 10 points and collected 13 rebounds.
Macey Jones scored eight points while adding a block.
Tiffany Bickford scored nine points with three rebounds.
Conley Gibson contributed six points and recorded one steal.
Marley Keith added seven points and grabbed five rebounds.
Tristan Smith recorded eight rebounds and two points.
ETBU opened the game with a series of inside plays, scoring 6 points in the paint, highlighted by Ayala's early layup. Despite their efforts, they faced turnovers, totaling five in the quarter. HSU took advantage, using a strong perimeter game to connect on four 3-pointers, including Caroline Croft's at 1:04, which helped build their lead. Bickford's late jumper and free throw at the buzzer narrowed the gap as the quarter ended with ETBU trailing 18–12.
The Tigers struggled to find momentum in the second quarter, shooting just 18.2% from the field. Despite challenges, Smith provided a brief lift with a jumper at 6:48, narrowing the gap. HSU continued to capitalize on turnovers, extending its lead with two 3-pointers and maintaining control. The quarter ended with Hardin-Simmons leading 30-20.
ETBU faced a challenging third quarter as HSU extended its lead early on. Keith provided a momentary surge for the Tigers with a 3-pointer at 4:54, narrowing the gap slightly. Jones contributed with a strong layup in the final seconds, assisted by Smith, but HSU maintained control. The quarter ended with Hardin-Simmons ahead, 50–34.
In the fourth quarter, ETBU made a strong push, led by Ayala, who contributed with key plays in the paint, including a jumper at 9:11. The home team showed resilience, matching Hardin-Simmons' scoring efforts, as
Anna Beamsderfer added a layup at 4:16 to keep the momentum. The Tigers outscored the visitors 18-15 in the quarter, but HSU maintained its lead. The game concluded with Hardin-Simmons securing a 65-52 victory.
The Tigers will be back in the American Southwest Tournament on Friday at Hardin-Simmons University in Abilene.
Tiger Top Performers
Hannah Ayala
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- 10 points
- 13 rebounds
- 4/4 free throws made
Macey Jones
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- 8 points
- 4/7 free throws made
- 1 block
Conley Gibson
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- 6 points
- 2 3-pointers
- 1 block
Marley Keith
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- 7 points
- 5 rebounds
- 2 assists
Tristan Smith
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- 8 rebounds
- 2 points
