ETBU improves to 3-4 overall and 3-2 in American Southwest Conference play, with Sul Ross dropping to 2-4 and 2-3.
The Tigers got the win despite playing the final 8 minutes of the game without All-American Cedric Isom, who fouled out after scoring 18 points and pulling down a team-high 10 rebounds. ETBU managed to hold the lead down the stretch until Sul Ross made a fast comeback attempt in the final three minutes to cut the lead to 7 at one point.
The Lobos were powered by a game-high 35 points from senior Sidney Hooper, who matched up with Isom as preseason Players of the Year in the conference. Hooper hit 7-of-14 3-pointers to build his 35-point total while playing 32 minutes.
Chris Isom led the Tigers with 25 points. He also had 9 big rebounds, including 7 offensive boards, and had 5 assists.
Joining the Isoms in double figures for ETBU were Brent Compton, who had 13, and Melvin Allen, who chipped in 12. Brandon Palmer added 10 points off the bench as well. ETBU also got a solid night from sophomore point guard Cory Cooper, who scored 8 points and had 7 rebounds with a game-high 7 assists.
Abraham Ely backed Hooper's effort with 17 points, followed by 12 points by Matt Santa Cruz.
ETBU hosts Howard Payne Saturday at 3 p.m. in Ornelas Gym.