ABILENE, Texas – Hardin-Simmons' Cowboy basketball scored eight straight points to win 70-66 against the upset-minded East Texas Baptist Tigers on Thursday night at the Mabee Athletic Complex in American Southwest Conference play.
 
The Cowboys kept the Tigers under wraps early, getting out to the largest lead up 28-10 with seven minutes in the first half remaining.
 
Hardin-Simmons carried the lead into half with a big dunk from Chris Bryant as time expired to lead 40-29 over ETBU.
 
The Cowboys held the lead for 35 of the 40 minutes in the game, but the Tigers hit a late stride to tie the game at 62-62 and go up 66-62 with two minutes to go.
 
Austin Brewer battled for a layup ending in 3-point play, sinking the free throw to make it 66-65 and add another free throw to tie the game at 66-66 with a minute left in regulation.
 
 The Cowboys got the first stop and Will Bartoszek finished with a bucket to take the lead 68-66 with 31 seconds on the clock.
 
A block from Jordyn Arnette and a pair of steals on defense by Tyler Williams and Silas Livingston held the Tigers from scoring in the end, and Asher Fleming put the Cowboys out of reach with two free throws to win the game by a final score of 70-66. HSU finished the win on an 8-0 run in the final two minutes.
 
The Cowboys shot 38% in the game to 43% from ETBU and were led by Bartoszek with 20 points and seven rebounds and Brewer with 14 points and 12 rebounds for a double-double.  
 
The Cowboys improve to 13-3 and 7-1 in the ASC while ETBU falls to 8-9 and 4-5 in conference. HSU returns to the Mabee to host the LeTourneau Yellowjackets on Saturday at 3 p.m.
 
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