SHAWNEE, Okla. – The East Central women's basketball team faced off against Oklahoma Baptist University for their final game before the New Year, dropping a close battle to the Bison inside Noble Complex in Shawnee.
 
The loss drops ECU to 4-4 overall and 0-4 in GAC play.
 
"Despite our loss, we got better in certain areas," Head Coach Heather Hurt said. "Kennedy had a great game and provided us with points near the basket. We fouled too much which led to free throw opportunities for them We need to be more disciplined on both sides of the floor."
 
The Bison set the pace early in the opening quarter, holding the Tigers to just six points while notching 15 of their own shooting 46.7% from the field to take the early lead.
 
ECU regrouped in the next period, finding their stride offensively while shutting OBU's down to outpace them 14-8. The Bison relied solely on free throws for their eight points as the Tigers closed the half trailing 23-20.
 
The third quarter was a hard-fought battle between both teams, with the Bison resuming their scoring and the Tigers staying within striking distance, ending the quarter at a 43-36 deficit.
 
Throughout the final quarter, ECU faced a relentless Bison offense that seemed to have an answer for nearly every ECU shot. Despite a late defensive surge by the Tigers that narrowed the gap from 14 points to as close as six points, OBU was able to hold off an ECU comeback as they secured a 69-60 victory.
 
Throughout the game, OBU was able to capitalize on the ECU's foul trouble, allowing them to collect 32 of their points from the free throw line.
 
Tiger duo Mackenzie Crusoe and Kennedy Cummings led the attack securing double-digit figures.
 
Crusoe notched her third double-double of the season with 20 points and 12 rebounds while Cummings posted 17 points.
 
The ECU women's basketball team will resume action on Jan. 4^th and 6^th when they take on Arkansas Tech and Harding on the road.