BELTON, Texas — After leading in the first half, East Texas Baptist (15-6, 1-2 ASC) fell to the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor (7-16, 1-3 ASC), 56-49, in a tense contest at Mayborn Campus Center. ETBU led at halftime but was unable to hold off a second-half surge, as the home team outscored them 32-20 after the break. Despite forcing 17 turnovers and scoring 34 points in the paint, the Tigers couldn't overcome shooting struggles, particularly from beyond the arc, converting just 3 of 17 attempts.
Sarah Cowan scored 12 points, including three 3-pointers, and added three steals.
Hannah Ayala recorded a double-double with 10 rebounds and six points.
Anna Beamsderfer led the team with 16 points, shooting 7-for-13 from the field, and collected six rebounds.
Tiffany Bickford contributed with two steals and one assist.
The Tigers opened the first quarter with a strong start, highlighted by Cowan's 3-pointer assisted by
Tristan Smith at 9:39, establishing an early 3–0 lead. Despite multiple ties and lead changes, ETBU regained momentum late in the quarter with Beamsderfer scoring a layup at 1:47, extending their advantage. The Tigers finished the quarter with a 17–13 lead, capitalizing on points from the paint and bench contributions.
ETBU shifted momentum in the second quarter with a series of key plays, including a pivotal 3-pointer by Cowan at 4:53, assisted by Ayala, which helped establish a lead. Beamsderfer contributed with a strong presence in the paint, scoring at 7:18 and again at 4:07, maintaining the team's advantage. They effectively capitalized on defensive rebounds and fast breaks, outscoring Mary Hardin-Baylor 12-11 in the quarter. The half concluded with ETBU ahead 29-24.
The Tigers started strong early in the third quarter with a pair of layups by
Marley Keith and
Macey Jones, establishing a six-point lead at 8:35. Despite a brief push from Mary Hardin-Baylor, highlighted by a three-pointer, ETBU countered with Cowan sinking two free throws at 4:46, extending their advantage to three points. However, Mary Hardin-Baylor responded with a late surge, including a go-ahead jumper with 56 seconds remaining, which shifted the lead. ETBU trailed 43–42 at the end of the quarter.
ETBU entered the fourth quarter with a narrow lead, but a series of missed opportunities allowed Mary Hardin-Baylor to shift the momentum. Ayala briefly regained the lead with a jumper at 8:31, but her missed free throw and subsequent missed jumper left the door open for the home team. Mary Hardin-Baylor capitalized on second-chance points to take control. Despite a solid defensive effort, including a block by Ayala, ETBU struggled offensively, shooting just 3-for-13 from the field and 0-for-6 from beyond the arc. The visitors managed to cut the deficit to four with a late layup by Keith, but Mary Hardin-Baylor's free throws in the final seconds secured their victory. The game ended with Mary Hardin-Baylor winning 56-49.
ETBU will continue conference play facing Howard Payne at home on Tuesday at 5:30 p.m.
Tigers Top Performers
Sarah Cowan
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- 12 points
- 3 3-pointers
- 3 steals
Hannah Ayala
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- 6 points
- 10 rebounds
- 2 assists
Anna Beamsderfer
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- 16 points
- 2 steals
- 6 rebounds
