MARSHALL, Texas – The 18th-ranked East Texas Baptist football team overcame a 10-6 halftime deficit and rallied to upend Southwestern 33-23 on Saturday night at Ornelas Stadium.

The Pirates (1-2) outgained the Tigers (3-0) 591-393 on the night. However, the Bucs committed 14 penalties for 179 yards.

Dante Smith hauled in three touchdown catches for Southwestern. He caught a three-yard score in the first quarter and then pulled down four- and 20-yard receptions in the final stanza. Smith finished the night with nine catches for 61 yards, while Matt Gillen added seven receptions for 141 yards.

The Pirates rolled up 298 yards on the ground.

Frederick Hover carried the ball 20 times for 127 yards, while Dylan Wilburn had seven totes for 60 yards. Chris Demny also rushed six times for 48 yards.

Hover also threw for 78 yards and a touchdown. Bryan Hicks came off the bench to complete 16 of 27 attempts for 215 yards and two scores.

Aaron Robinson led Southwestern's defensive effort with 15 tackles. Justin Broussard added seven stops, including two sacks.

The Pirates held a 10-6 advantage until the Tigers received a 27-yard touchdown reception by Xavier Gray with 6:20 to play in the third quarter.

ETBU then added another third-quarter score and one early in the fourth to take a 26-10 lead.

Hicks and Smith hooked up for a four-yard touchdown pass with 9:45 left in the game, but Southwestern missed the two-point conversion try.

The Tigers answered seven minutes later when Dante Freeman broke free for a 36-yard touchdown run.

Smith caught a 20-yard pass in the end zone from Hicks with only 15 seconds left in the contest to cap the scoring.

Southwestern will make a trip to Wisconsin-River Falls next Saturday. Kickoff is slated for 1 p.m.

– SOUTHWESTERN –