ABILENE, Texas — A hard-fought loss was endured in the American Southwest Conference (ASC) Tournament as East Texas Baptist University (16-9, 2-4 ASC) narrowly fell to Howard Payne University (14-13, 3-3 ASC), 60-58, in a tense game at the Mabee Complex. The Tigers led after a strong third quarter, but the Yellow Jackets sealed the victory with a decisive 23-point performance in the fourth. ETBU capitalized on second-chance opportunities, scoring 15 points, and collected 39 rebounds to stay competitive.
Macey Jones scored 16 points and posted three blocks.
Hannah Ayala recorded 13 rebounds, eight points, and two steals.
Marley Keith contributed with six assists and eight points.
Tristan Smith recorded 10 points and six rebounds, and
Tiffany Bickford finished with 13 points, converting two 3-pointers and some pivotal free throws in the third quarter to give ETBU its first lead of the day.
ETBU opened the game with an early exchange of points, quickly tying the score at 3 with a layup and free throw by Jones. Throughout the quarter, Jones continued to impact the game with several key plays, including a defensive block at 1:10 and a crucial layup at 0:55 to tie the game again at 13. Keith contributed with a timely 3-pointer at 3:22, which helped maintain balance during the quarter.
The team demonstrated strong defensive rebounding, collecting 14 total rebounds, and recorded two blocks, effectively limiting Howard Payne's second-chance opportunities. Despite trailing early, the Tigers managed to close the quarter on equal footing, ending the first quarter tied at 13-13.
ETBU began the second quarter by tying the game at 15 with a fast-break layup by Keith, assisted by
Anna Beamsderfer. Defensive efforts were strong, highlighted by three blocks and five steals, which helped limit Howard Payne's scoring opportunities. Despite the defensive stops, ETBU struggled to maintain possession, resulting in seven turnovers.
Momentum shifted midway through the quarter when Howard Payne went on a scoring run to extend its lead. ETBU responded with a late surge, cutting the deficit to two points with
Tristan Smith's 3-pointer at 1:20. The second quarter concluded with Howard Payne holding a slim 22-20 advantage.
In the third quarter, the Tigers opened with a series of turnovers but quickly adjusted to regain momentum. Jones and Ayala scored key layups, helping to close a small gap. Bickford contributed with a 3-pointer and a layup, while Ayala's successful free throws narrowed Howard Payne's lead.
As the quarter progressed, ETBU capitalized on turnovers and defensive rebounds. Bickford's free throws at 0:35 gave the Tigers a narrow lead. Howard Payne briefly responded with a 3-pointer, but Smith's last-second 3-pointer, assisted by Bickford, secured the Tigers' lead. The quarter closed with ETBU leading 39–37.
The Tigers started the fourth quarter trading leads with Howard Payne, as both teams exchanged baskets early. ETBU faced a deficit but managed to close the gap with a key layup by Ayala at 6:49, assisted by Keith, bringing the score to 46-45. A 3-pointer by Beamsderfer at 6:03 narrowed the margin further, and Jones pushed the visitors ahead with a layup at 5:01, making it 48-47.
Momentum shifted multiple times as both teams kept the score tight. ETBU tied the game at 52 with a jumper from Keith at 2:19. In the final minute, the Tigers tied the score again at 58 after a layup by Jones with 14 seconds remaining. However, Howard Payne secured the win with two free throws in the last five seconds, ending the quarter at a 60-58 disadvantage for ETBU.
ETBU finishes its season 16-9 overall and 2-5 in conference.
Tiger Top Performers
Macey Jones
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- 16 points
- 7 field goals made
- 3 blocks
Hannah Ayala
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- 8 points
- 13 rebounds
- 2 steals
Tiffany Bickford
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- 13 points
- 2 3-pointers
- 3/4 free throws made
Marley Keith
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- 8 points
- 6 assists
- 4 rebounds
Tristan Smith
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- 10 points
- 6 rebounds
