ADA, Okla. – The East Central University women's basketball team hosted Southeastern Oklahoma State University in a thrilling rivalry matchup, beating the Savage Storm 65-58 Monday night.
 
The win improves ECU to 6-9 overall and 3-8 in GAC play.
 
"We did a great job guarding their action," Interim Head Coach Heather Hurt said "We kept them under 60 points which was our goal. Our effort was phenomenal, and we really competed on both ends of the floor."
 
Two jumpers from Mackenzie Crusoe put the Tigers up early 4-0 one minute into the opening quarter. Southeastern answered back with a 7-0 run that eventually turned into a 15-11 lead before a three-pointer from Izzy Cummins put ECU within one at the end of the period.
 
The second quarter saw both teams struggle to find the basket as neither reached double-digit scoring. ECU had nine points compared to Southeastern's seven, but it was enough to regain the lead of 23-21 going into halftime.
 
After the break, it was a back-and-forth battle between the Tigers and Savage Storm as each team was looking to take control of the game. There were four lead changes and four ties before another three-pointer from a hot shooting Izzy Cummins had ECU trailing by one (42-41) going into the final quarter.
 
The Tigers dug deep and came alive in the fourth quarter, going on an 11-5 scoring run to reach their biggest lead of the game at nine points 57-48. Southeastern managed to get within five a few times, but ECU held them off and walked away with a 65-58 victory at the Kerr Activities Center.
 
"Izzy was unbelievable on offense and gave great effort defensively. It was a great showing for our team on rivalry Monday."
 
Izzy Cummins led the Tiger offense with an impressive 27-point performance, a new career-high, hitting 10-for-13 from the field including six that were from beyond the arc.
 
Mackenzie Crusoe and Ashlyn Evans-Thompson also had a strong night scoring in double-digits. Crusoe scored 17 points, going 7-for-15 from the floor and adding a team-high eight boards, while Evans-Thompson had 12 points, shooting 3-for-7 overall and 4-for-4 from the free throw line.
 
The East Central University women's basketball team will have two more home games this week. Thursday, Jan. 26 they take on Henderson State University at 5:30 p.m. and Saturday, Jan. 28 they will face Ouachita Baptist University at 1:00 p.m.