ADA, Okla. – In a high-energy 2023-24 season home opener at the Kerr Activities Center, the East Central University men's basketball team triumphed over non-conference opponent Oklahoma Christian University in an electrifying 70-61 victory on Thursday night.
 
The win lifts the Tigers to 2-1 on the season and 1-0 at home.
 
"Good win for our guys tonight!" Head Coach Daniel Wheeler said. "Give Oklahoma Christian credit, they never let up. I really like the resiliency we have. We had a bunch of different guys step up in key situations. Thank you to all the fans who came out tonight. Your support means so much! Please keep coming out!"
 
After a scoreless drought of over five minutes in the opening half, a three-pointer from Keyon Thomas finally got the Tigers on the board, and from there, the action picked up. Although the lead changed hands five times and the score deadlocked four times, ECU seized control, knocking down seven three-point shots in the first half, three of them alone in the last six minutes before the break. Mohammed Elgohary's buzzer-beating shot from beyond the arc sealed the Tigers nine-point halftime lead of 35-26.
 
As the second half unfolded, the Eagles slowly inched their way back, narrowing the gap to a single point trailing 38-37. But five points from Thomas bolstered ECU's advantage, and with a combination of clutch plays from Bryce Woolridge, Elgohary, and Mason Jones, the Tigers propelled to their largest lead of 11 points at 65-54 with two and a half minutes to go. From there, it was ECU's game, ultimately ending in a thrilling 70-61 victory.
 
Three Tigers spread the offense around and finished with double-digit scoring numbers, led by Keyon Thomas who had 23 points going 8-for-15 from the field and 3-for-7 from the three-point line. Bryce Woolridge added a season-high 14 points going 3-for-6 from the floor and 6-of-6 on the free throw line while Mohamed Elgohary posted a double-double with 13 points and 10 rebounds.
 
The ECU men's basketball team will be back in action at the Kerr Activities Center this Saturday, Nov. 18 to take on Kansas Christian College at 3 pm.