AUSTIN, Texas – Josh Sanchez poured in a career-high 38 points, but it was not enough as the Concordia University Texas men's basketball team suffered a 93-89 setback at the hands of East Texas Baptist on Thursday night at Concordia Fieldhouse.
Sanchez, who scored 24 points in the opening frame, was 11-of-23 from the field and knocked down a career-best seven 3-pointers. The Houston native also was 9-of-12 from the free-throw line and handed out a game-high four assists.
The Tornados (15-5, 12-5 ASC) jumped out to a 40-33 lead in the first half behind seven triples, including five from Sanchez. However, the Tigers (8-11, 6-10 ASC) scored 12 of the final 20 points of the frame to pull within three before halftime.
East Texas Baptist continued to ride its momentum in the final panel, and the Tigers reeled off a 12-5 run to claim a six-point advantage with 16:45 to play.
Sanchez scored four of the next six points and CTX pulled even following a pair of free throws by
Rashad Coleman.
The Tigers grabbed the lead six more times over the next 13 minutes, but Concordia pulled even each time.
Sanchez hit back-to-back 3-pointers to give the Tornados an 89-88 lead with 2:03 remaining. However, East Texas Baptist scored the final five points of the game, all at the free-throw line, to pick up the victory.
Jamil Samuel logged a double-double of 18 points and 11 rebounds to pace ETBU. Justin Felicia chipped in with 16, while Erby Thompson scored 13 and Arron Holmes netted a dozen.
Adam Whitlock joined Sanchez in double digits with 10 points for Concordia.
The Tornados will wrap up its current home stand on Saturday against LeTourneau. Tip-off is scheduled for 3 p.m.
