The Austin College women's basketball team led East Texas Baptist for much of their season opening game on Friday night, but ETBU closed the game on a 7-2 run to hand the 'Roos a 58-57 loss at the University of Dallas Tip-Off Classic.
Shayna Clardy scored 15 points and Erin Riley added 14 as the 'Roos led by as much as 14 late in the first half on their way to a 34-25 lead heading into the break, but ETBU scored eight straight to open the second half and cut it to a one point game. The 'Roos extended the lead back to seven on a jumper by Riley to make it 47-40 with under seven minutes to go but ETBU came roaring back to square things at 51 with 3:43 left to play.
Brooke Melton scored four straight to put Austin College on top 55-51 with 2:53 to play, but the Tigers scored the next seven points to take a 58-55 lead with just 25 seconds to play. Clardy scored with under 10 seconds to play to make it a one point game, but time would expire before the 'Roos got a chance for a game winner.
Melton recorded a double-double with 12 points and 11 boards, while Clardy and Riley each knocked down three triples in the game. Christina Kime chipped in with nine points and a game-high five assists in the loss.
Austin College will be looking to rebound today as they take on NYU-Polytech at 4:00 p.m.