ABILENE, Texas — In a down-to-the-wire game, East Texas Baptist University (7-19, 1-5 ASC) fell to the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor (19-7, 5-1 ASC) 89-84 at Mabee Complex in the American Southwest Championship (ASC) Tournament Semi-Final game. The Tigers kept the score close with strong performances in the paint, totaling 38 points, and maintained a balanced attack with 16 assists. Despite leading 45-39 at halftime, ETBU could not hold off Mary Hardin-Baylor's late surge, which included 21 points from the free-throw line.
The Tigers had six players in double-digit-scoring including
Michael Roberts with 24,
Shad Levy with 13,
Jack Pease,
Orlando Gooden II, and
Nathan Fleming all with 11 while
Mitchell Williams recorded 10 points off the bench. Roberts also recorded four blocks grabbing eight rebounds.
Shad Levy recorded a monster dunk in the second half while distributing four assists and four rebounds.
Jack Pease contributed with seven assists and two steals and
Nathan Fleming collected 14 rebounds and posted two blocks.
ETBU started the first half with efficient offense, highlighted by Gooden III's two 3-pointers early on, establishing a quick response to UMHB's initial free throws. The team's defensive efforts included blocks from Roberts, keeping the opponent's scoring in check. ETBU maintained a narrow lead through much of the half, with contributions from Fleming and Williams, who added a combination of timely layups and a 3-pointer.
Despite a strong offensive push, including Roberts' consistent scoring in the paint and Williams' late 3-pointer, ETBU concluded the first half trailing slightly. UMHB's inside scoring and free throws allowed it to finish ahead, leading 45-39 at the end of the first half.
The Tigers opened the second half with a significant momentum shift, quickly narrowing the gap with a three-pointer from Gooden, assisted by Pease, making the score 42-45. Roberts' defensive efforts, including a block and a fast-break layup following a steal, helped to keep the game tight. Roberts also made strategic plays in the paint, contributing to a back-and-forth battle that saw the score tied multiple times.
As the half progressed, Fleming and Levy contributed key points, with Levy making a crucial three-pointer at 6:37 to bring the score to 72-73. Despite some turnovers, ETBU stayed competitive, with Levy making a fast-break dunk in the final seconds to close the gap. The game concluded with ETBU trailing by three, with a score of 84-89.
ETBU finished the season 7-19 overall and 1-6 in ASC play.
ETBU Quick Hitters
First Half
- Mary Hardin-Baylor capitalized on second-chance opportunities, scoring 20 points off offensive rebounds, while ETBU managed 3 blocks on defense.
- ETBU responded with effective shooting from behind the arc, highlighted by Gooden's two early 3-pointers, keeping the score competitive.
- Mary Hardin-Baylor's Elijah Lawrence and Hudson Johnson led a fast-paced attack, helping their team to a narrow lead.
- Mary Hardin-Baylor took a 45–39 lead into halftime.
Second Half
- ETBU and Mary Hardin-Baylor traded leads early in the half, with East Tex. Baptist tying the game at 47-47 at 17:22 through a layup by Roberts.
- Mary Hardin-Baylor capitalized on turnovers, extending its lead to 59-53 with a fast-break sequence by Johnson at 13:27.
- Levy of ETBU converted a 3-pointer at 6:37, sparking a rally that saw them take a narrow lead at 74-73.
- With a tense final minute, Mary Hardin-Baylor sealed their win with free throws by Johnson, ending the game at 89–84.
Tiger Top Performers
Michael Roberts
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- 24 points
- 11/17 field goals made
- 4 blocks
- 8 rebounds
Nathan Fleming
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- 11 points
- 14 rebounds
- 2 blocks
Shad Levy
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- 13 points
- 4 assists
- 4 rebounds
Jack Pease
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- 11 points
- 7 assists
- 2 steals
Orlando Gooden III
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- 11 points
- 3/5 three-pointers made
- 1 block
