BELTON, TX – The University of Mary Hardin-Baylor's men's basketball team edged East Texas Baptist University 94-90 Saturday afternoon in Belton. The Cru improved to 22-2 on the season and 17-2 in league play while the Tigers fell to 14-11 overall and 12-8 in ASC play. UMHB closed out the regular season claiming first place in the American Southwest Conference.
 
The contest began with back-and-forth play until the 13:46 mark when UMHB went on an 11-point run sparked by a jumper by Josiah Johnson. The Tigers knotted the game back up at the 8:36 mark with a basket behind the arc. The remainder of the first half continued in even play and the Cru went into the half up 43-42 with free throws in the final minute.
 
UMHB continued to inch away at the start of the second half, creating a lead as big as six with a three-pointer from Payton Brooks at the 17:16 mark. With eight minutes remaining, Johnson scored a basket to bring the Cru up by seven points. The Tigers continued to fight back bringing the contest within three with 15 seconds remaining. UMHB held onto the lead capitalizing on free throws and taking the 94-90 win.
 
UMHB was led by Johnson with 34 points while Ty Prince and Luke Feely added 17 to the Cru's total 94 points. UMHB's offense was anchored by Kyle Wright with 10 assists. The Cru caused 15 turnovers for the Tigers including eight steals, led by Wright with four.
 
UMHB will return to action in the American Southwest Conference Championship Tournament on Thursday, February 24^th in Belton.