ADA – The East Central University women's basketball team fought down to the final seconds, but ended up falling 68-66 to Southern Arkansas in Great American Conference action at the Kerr Activities Center.

The Tigers (7-12, 6-9 GAC) saw three player record double-digit point totals, with junior Lakin Preisner leading the team with 20 points, nine rebounds and three assists.  Senior Devon Branch added 12 points, while junior Tia Williams netted 11.

The opening quarter started out close, with now team leading by more than two points.  However, with just under three minutes left ECU started a 7-0 run to the end of the quarter to earn a 15-9 lead.

The teams traded runs throughout the second quarter, with the Tigers leading by as many as seven.  With 2:30 minutes left in the half, the Muleriders (7-14, 6-9 GAC) started a 12-2 run to push the advantage to their side, 34-31, at the half.

SAU came out strong in the third quarter and used several small runs to slowly push the lead out to as many as 17 (57-40), before going into the final 10 minutes with a 59-43 advantage.

The Tigers then took control of the fourth quarter, holding SAU without a field goal until the final 1.3 seconds.  During the span ECU used a 23-7 run to tie the game at 66. 

After a time out, the Muleriders hit a jumper in the lane to take a 68-66 lead.  The Tigers got a chance to tie the game after Branch was fouled with 0.3 left on the clock.  However, she missed both free throws resulting in the 68-66 loss.

ECU will now start a three-game road trip, Thursday, Feb. 8 in Arkadelphia, Ark, against Ouachita at 5:30 p.m.