ALVA, OKLA. – The East Central University men's basketball team rebounded from their loss to Southwestern Oklahoma State on Thursday with a 73-68 win over Northwestern Oklahoma State at Purcefull Fieldhouse in Great American Conference action.
The Tigers (6-3, 3-1 GAC) were paced by junior
Stirling Thomas, who tallied 21 points and five assists. Redshirt sophomore
Braxton Reeves added 16 points, while senior
Henry Pwono garnered 15 points and a team-best eight rebounds.
"I am really proud of the toughness we showed and glad to see how we responded with a quick turnaround," said head coach
Ja Havens. "It is always big to go on the road and win."
The Rangers (2-5, 1-1 GAC) scored on the opening possession, but then ECU used a 10-0 run in the first three minutes to take an early advantage. The lead was short lived, as NWOSU followed with a 7-0 run over the next 1:30 to force a tie at 10.
The teams then traded points and runs over the next eight minutes when the Tigers were able to pull ahead by six (28-22) with a 6-0 run over a 40-second span. The Rangers kept fighting and forced yet another tie with two minutes left. However, ECU finished the half with a 5-0 run to take a 42-37 lead into the locker room.
The Tigers kept up the offensive pressure in the opening four minutes of the second stanza and had increased the lead to nine. The Rangers then rebounded and used a 13-0 run over the next four minutes to take a 54-57 advantage.
The game remained close for the next 5:30 minutes before ECU started a key push to take back the lead. The Tigers went on an 8-0 run until 1:36 remained on the clock for a 70-66 lead. The teams then traded free throws before a final free throw by Thomas secured the win with 23 seconds remaining.
ECU had a strong night shooting 50% from the field (23-of-46) and from beyond the arc (11-of-22). The Rangers were held to 41.7% (25-of-60) from the field and 31.8% (7-of-22) from three-point range.
The Tigers will now get an entire week off for finals before hosting three-straight home games over the next week. ECU will start the home stand, Monday, Dec. 15 at 7 p.m. vs. the College of Faith.
