ADA, Okla. – The East Central University men's basketball team hosted arch-rival Southeastern Oklahoma State University but fell short 83-71 Monday night at the Kerr Activities Center.
 
The loss drops ECU to 9-8 overall and 4-7 in GAC play.
 
"They did what we thought they would," Head Coach Daniel Wheeler said. "It took us a little bit to get a feel. I'm proud of our effort, we just have to be cleaner."
 
Southeastern started out the game hot, going on an 18-2 scoring run to put ECU in an early hole. Over the course of nine minutes, the Tigers began to chip away at the big Savage Storm lead to get within four points (34-30) with 5:11 left to play in the half. Southeastern responded with another scoring run, and ECU would trail 46-35 going into halftime.
 
After the break, the Tigers jumped out with a 5-0 run following a jumper from Quinton Johnson II and a three-pointer from Jakeem Acres. ECU would close the gap to within four at 50- 46 before a 16-3 scoring run allowed the Southeastern to pull away 66-49 with 8:05 left to play. The Tigers fired back with one last 14-2 scoring run to narrow the gap to 68-63 and 72-67 later on, but the Savage Storm kept ECU at arm's length until the final buzzer to secure an 83-71 victory.
 
Quinton Johnson II led the Tigers tonight with his second 20-point game of the season. He went 8-for-13 from the field while adding five rebounds.
 
Luke Harper and Romello Wilbert also scored in double-digits. Harper had 12 points going 3-for-9 from the floor while Wilbert recorded 10 points shooting 5-for-8 overall.
 
The East Central University men's basketball team will have two more home games this week. Thursday, Jan. 26 they take on Henderson State University at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday, Jan. 28 they will face Ouachita Baptist University at 3:00 p.m.