RICHARDSON, Texas - East Texas Baptist University captured its first American Southwestern Conference championship in women's baksetball with a 71-70 victory over University of Mary Hardin-Baylor Saturday night.

The championship game was evenly contested, with neither team earning more than a six-point lead. The Cru (23-5) took a 42-40 advantage into halftime and the game was tied at 56 headed into the final quarter.

The Tigers (22-6) went up 69-65 with 2:58 remaining after a basket by junior center Erin Meeks. A three-pointer from UMHB senior guard Meghan Turner and a layup by Haven Neal put the Cru up 70-69 with 35 seconds remaining. ETBU sophomore forward Kim Childress scrored the final basket of the game with 14 seconds remaining to give the Tigers the championship.

ETBU shot 47.5 percent (28-of-59) from the field, 11-of-24 from three-point range and 4-for-8 at the free throw line with 28 rebounds, 18 assists, 11 turnovers, two blocks and six steals.

UMHB shot 49.1 percent (26-for-53) overall, 6-of-18 from outside and 12-of-12 at the line. They also recorded 30 points, 23 assists, 12 turnovers, one block and five steals.

Katy Boren led the Tigers with 14 points after hiiting four three-pointers. Childress, who sat out the first half, gave ETBU a spark with 13 points and five rebounds in 17 minutes. Tournament MVP Madison McCoy scored 11 points with a pair of assists.

Sophomore guard Hannah Holt led the Cru with 19 points and 10 rebounds. Aubrie Elliott scored 16 points with six boards and six assists off the bench.

East Texas Baptist earned the ASC's automatic qualifier for the NCAA Division III Championship. The selection show will air on NCAA.com at 1:30 p.m. Monday, February 26.

Box Score | Photos | Postgame Interview