BELTON, Texas — In an overtime thriller, East Texas Baptist University (6-16, 0-3 ASC) fell to the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor (16-6, 3-0 ASC) 87-84 in a closely contested matchup at the Mayborn Campus Center. The game featured 10 ties and 15 lead changes, with the Tigers leading by seven at halftime. Despite a strong showing with 52 total rebounds and 46 points in the paint, ETBU was unable to maintain their advantage, as the Crusaders outscored them in the second half to secure the win.

ETBU opened the first half strongly, with Michael Roberts scoring early to set the tone. Despite trading leads with Mary Hardin-Baylor, the Tigers maintained control through effective scoring in the paint, particularly from Nathan Fleming and Orlando Gooden III. 

ETBU capitalized on second-chance opportunities, evidenced by their nine offensive rebounds, which helped extend possessions. ETBU closed the half with a 10-2 run, highlighted by Shad Levy's layup with eight seconds remaining, securing a 38-31 lead at the end of the half.

ETBU opened the second half with aggressive play in the paint, highlighted by Roberts' layup just seconds in. A series of successful drives, including a layup by Christian Dews assisted by Jack Pease and a jumper by Joshua Joe, helped extend the lead to 50-35 early in the half. The team sustained the momentum with strong defensive rebounds and timely steals, although Mary Hardin-Baylor kept the pressure on by staying close with their scoring.

As the half advanced, ETBU encountered a tighter contest. Despite Joe's consistent scoring, including free throws and a crucial jumper in the final seconds, the opposing team managed to level the score multiple times. The half concluded dramatically with a tied score of 73-73, as both teams executed strategic plays and defensive stops, setting the stage for a competitive remainder of the game.

ETBU began the second half in a tightly contested battle. Joe tied the score at 75 with two successful free throws at 4:04, but Mary Hardin-Baylor quickly regained the advantage with Grant Jessen's layup. Both teams exchanged points, maintaining a narrow margin.

Jeremiah Smith's free throws at 3:21 leveled the score again at 77, but UMHB responded with a layup and two free throws to push their lead to 81-77. Roberts narrowed the gap to 85-84 with a crucial three-pointer at 0:14, but Mary Hardin-Baylor held on with free throws by Cam Stinson to secure an 87-84 edge as the half concluded.

First Half
- East Tex. Baptist took an early lead with Michael Roberts scoring on a jumper in the paint.
- Elijah Lawrence of Mary Hardin-Baylor responded with an assist and a defensive rebound, contributing to a tight early contest.
- Orlando Gooden III hit a pair of 3-pointers, fueling ETBU's offensive momentum.
- At the end of the first half, ETBU held a 38–31 advantage.

Second Half  
- ETBU started strong, with Roberts scoring a layup and Dews contributing shortly after to increase their lead.
- Mary Hardin-Baylor responded with a layup by Zachary Engels, maintaining competitive momentum.  
- Joe added key points for ETBU, scoring on a jumper and later on free throws.
- At the end of the half, ETBU and Mary-Hardin Baylor were tied, 73-73 

Overtime 
- Grant Jessen scored early in the half with a layup, helping Mary Hardin-Baylor gain a slight lead.  
- Joe made two free throws for ETBU, leveling the score at 75 with 4:04 remaining.  
- Mary Hardin-Baylor capitalized on free throws, with Connor Zamiara and Cam Stinson each contributing crucial points from the line.  
- Roberts hit a late three-pointer for ETBU, narrowing the deficit to one point before Mary Hardin-Baylor sealed the game with two final free throws by Cam Stinson.  
- At the final buzzer, Mary Hardin-Baylor secured the win, 87–84.

The Tigers will return home to play Howard Payne University on February 10th at 7 p.m. 

East Texas Baptist Top Performers  

Michael Roberts  
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- 20 points  
- 7/8 field goals made  
- 11 rebounds  

Shad Levy  
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- 18 points  
- 9 field goals made  
- 3 steals  

Joshua Joe  
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- 13 points  
- 7/8 free throws made  
- 4 rebounds  

Christian Dews  
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- 9 points  
- 3 blocks  
- 8 rebounds  

Nathan Fleming  
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- 11 points  
- 13 rebounds  
- 1 block