ALVA, OKLA. – The East Central University men's basketball team came back from 22 down to within seven, but ended up falling 101-93 to Northwestern Oklahoma State in Great American Conference action.

The Tigers (9-6, 7-4 GAC) were led by junior Marcus Lytle, who tallied a career-high 37 points, while adding seven rebounds and three steals.  Freshman Cameron Hines added 16 points and seven boards, sophomore Camron Talley 11 points and junior Gabe McKenzie 10 points.

The game started out close, with the Rangers (12-4, 8-3 GAC) leading 5-4 after the first two minutes.  However, that is when NWOSU turned up the pressure and went on a 9-0 run in the next two minutes for a 12-point lead (16-4).  ECU countered with a 13-7 run in the next seven minutes to cut the deficit to seven (23-17). 

The Rangers again pushed ahead, using several runs in the final minutes of the first half to lead by as many at 16 and no less than nine and led 51-35 at the break.

The Tigers used an 11-7 run in the first three minutes of the second half to cut the deficit to 12.  However, NWOSU countered with an 8-0 run in the next minute for push the lead out to 20.  The lead ranged between 15-22 for until the final six minutes. 

ECU then made a final push, using 15-7 run over the next five minutes to cut the deficit to seven.  The Tigers were then forced to foul and NWOSU made five of six free-throw attempts and claimed the 101-93 win.

ECU will continue its four-game road swing, with two games in Arkansas next week.  The Tigers will first face Harding, Thursday, Jan. 25 at 7:30 p.m. and then take on Arkansas Tech, Saturday, Jan. 27 at 3 p.m.