The loss drops ETBU to 2-4 on the season heading into a two-game conference road trip this week to Howard Payne and Sul Ross State. Wiley improves to 2-4 with the victory, which snapped a six-game losing streak to the cross-town rival Tigers dating back to December of 2000.
Chris Isom had a game-high 30 points with eight rebounds and three assists in 39 minutes of action, and his twin brother Cedric Isom nearly matched him with 28 points, 13 rebounds and seven assists.
But the Tigers committed an uncharacteristic 22 turnovers on the night, and Wiley shot 50 percent from the floor in the second half to overcome a 42-34 halftime deficit. The Wildcats took the lead for good with just under 40 seconds remaining on a jumper by Willie Holloway for an 83-81 lead, and ETBU’s final desperation jumper by freshman Jeremiah Pojah at the buzzer fell short.
Cedric Isom posted his fourth straight double-double and third straight game with at least seven assists.
Charles Chevalier added seven points and nine rebounds before fouling out late in the contest. Pojah had five points and five rebounds as well off the bench.
Wiley placed four players in double figures, led by 18 points and nine rebounds by Sylvester Simple. Holloway added 16 points, with Derrick Smith and Lewis Elie chipping in 11 apiece.
ETBU closes out the 2004 portion of this season’s schedule this weekend, traveling to Brownwood on Friday to take on Howard Payne at 3 p.m. The Tigers then play at defending American Southwest Conference champion Sul Ross State in Alpine Saturday at 3 p.m. before taking off for the holidays.