Box Score Maryville, TN. - In the Maryville Classic matchup, the Scots commanded much of the first half against East Texas Baptist University, but the Tigers rallied late. ETBU's closing push proved the difference as Covenant came up short down the stretch.
Final: Covenant 78, ETBU 87
Records: Covenant (1-7), ETBU (3-7)
After ETBU opened the game with six straight points, the Scots answered with a 15-4 run to take a five-point lead with 12 minutes remaining in the first half. Covenant later stretched its advantage to 40-31 in the final two minutes of the period, marking its largest lead of the game. However, the Tigers closed the half on a five-point surge, trimming the Scots' advantage to four heading into the break.
With Covenant still holding a four-point advantage, ETBU responded with a 12-2 run to take a 61-55 lead heading into the under-12 media timeout. The Scots answered once again, putting together an 8-0 run to pull even at 67-67 by the next media break. Covenant briefly regained control on a three-pointer from Korbin Long, taking a 74-71 lead with under four minutes remaining. However, the Scots were unable to hold on, as the Tigers closed the game on a decisive 16-4 run to secure a nine-point victory.
Logan Patterson and Noah Pence led a balanced scoring attack as Patterson scored 12 while Pence contributed 11. Covenant also got nine from Jake Stephens and Darrius Teagle and eight from Long and Ethan Parker. Fisher Mitchell led the Scots in rebounds with four, while Pierce Smith added two blocks.
ETBU outshot Covenant from the field (53%-44%) while the Scots had the advantage in three point percentage (30%-20%). The Tigers won the battle on the glass 42-35 and in assists 13-11.
Covenant moves to 1-1 all time against ETBU.
UP NEXT: Covenant takes on Johnson & Wales tomorrow in Game 2 of the Maryville Classic.
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