MARSHALL, Texas — Senior Casey Riddle scored a career-high 24 points and Hardin-Simmons held off previously unbeaten East Texas Baptist, 71-67 in American Southwest Conference action at Ornelas Gym in Marshall.

The Cowboys started strong and jumped out to a 18-10 lead, but ETBU used its strength on the inside to tie the game at 31-31 at halftime.

HSU came right out and took a 40-33 lead with 16:40 to play. ETBU battled back and took a 43-42 lead, but HSU held its composure. HSU took a 57-51 lead when Riddle and Dustin Massey had 3-pointers in an 8-2 run.

It was a 59-55 HSU lead when Terrence Booker hit a layup and John Derr hit back-to-back 3-pointers. The first came in transition and the other came from 32-feet out with the shot clock running down to make it 67-55.  

ETBU made one last push and cut the Cowboy lead to 69-67 with 1:19 to play, but HSU drew a charge and Derrick Jefferson had a big rebound, two free throws with :05 to play and a steal in the final 30 seconds to seal the win.

Jefferson had 11 points and Massey had 10 for HSU. Deba Egharevba led ETBU with 18 points and 12 rebounds.

HSU is now 6-2 on the year and 4-1 in ASC action. ETBU fell to 6-1 overall and 4-1 in ASC action. HSU hosts McMurry on Tuesday at 7:30.

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