Jan. 3, 2004

Final Stats

ABILENE, Texas - Hardin-Simmons' men's basketball team continues to try to learn how to win as it dropped another close game to East Texas Baptist, 88-79, in American Southwest Conference Crossover action at the Mabee Complex.

The game was tied at 79 with 1:40 to go in the contest and ETBU hit a lay-up on an inbounds play to go up 81-79 with 1:26 to play. The Cowboys missed a short jumper on the inside by Andre Washington and the Tigers rebounded.

On the next series the Cowboys had defended well and forced Clay Fisher to attempt a 3-pointer from about 26 feet and the high-archer touched nothing but net to give the Tigers an 84-79 lead with :27 to play. HSU could not hit a shot in the final seconds and ETBU added four free throws down the stretch to ice the game.

The game was full of runs as both teams had runs of 11 points or more in the game. HSU's young squad refused to lay down after falling behind 70-62 with 8:22 to go in the game. The Cowboys responded with a mini-run of their own to take the lead 75-74 on a Dathan Jones runner in the lane at the 4:47 mark.

HSU had four players in double figures led by Tanner Kudrna's 17. Dathan Jones had 14, Zach Pickelman added 12 and Carl Thompson had 10.

ETBU was led by talented sophomore guard Cedric Isom who had 21 points, seven assists and six rebounds in his first game of the season. Quinton Owens (18), Chris Isom (16), Clay Fisher (11) and Melvin Allen (10) all reached double figures.

The Cowboys fell to 2-7 with the loss. East Texas Baptist improved to 4-4. HSU returns to action Monday when it hosts winless LeTourneau.