ADA – The East Central University women's basketball team broke a two-game losing streak, with a 59-49 Great American Conference victory over Henderson State at the Kerr Activities Center.

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The Tigers (7-11, 7-7 GAC) were led by junior Jalyn Jackson, with a career-high 18 points and five rebounds.  Junior Whitney Stotler added 10 points, while sophomore Aalyiah Blakely led ECU on the boards, with a career best of 12.

The opening minutes of the game were a tight battle, with no team leading by more than three points through the first quarter.  The teams battled through four ties, the last coming with 54 seconds left at 10.  That is when the Tigers went on a 5-2 run to take a 15-12 lead into the second quarter.

The Reddies (9-11, 8-6 GAC) took control at the start of the second quarter and used a 4-2 run in the first 3:30 to get within one (17-16).  ECU followed with a 5-0 run over the next minute, but saw HSU push back with a 6-0 run to tie the game at 22.  The Tigers hit the last shot of the half and took a 24-22 lead into the locker room.

ECU took control of the momentum at the start of the second half, using a 9-4 run in the first four minutes for a 33-26 advantage.  The Reddies fought back one more time, using a 9-2 run over the next three minutes to tie the game at 35.  However, the Tigers scored the last five points of the quarter, including a last second three by freshman Tia Williams to lead 40-35.

HSU tried to come back at the start of the fourth quarter, but the closest they could get was two (41-39).  ECU regained the lead quickly and steadily increased the lead to as many as 12 (59-47) through the quarter to earn the 59-49 win.

One of the keys to the victory was with ball control, as HSU recorded 20 turnovers and the Tigers took advantage to score 19 points off those free possessions.

The Tigers will continue their home stand, Saturday, Feb. 6 when they host Ouachita Baptist at the Kerr Activities Center at 1 p.m.