ADA, Okla. – Mackenzie Crusoe's career-high scoring night of 30 points highlighted East Central University women's basketball's 49-45 win over the University of Arkansas at Monticello Cotton Blossoms in the first game back at the Kerr Activities Center from the winter break on Thursday night.
 
The game marked the Tigers' first GAC victory of the season.
 
"I am really pleased with our rebounding effort tonight," Head Coach Heather Hurt said. "I truly believe it is one of the biggest reasons we won the game. A lot of individuals contributed to that. We guarded and in turn, it gave us on offense to score."
 
ECU trailed UAM 26-23 at halftime, but the Tigers mounted a comeback in the second half, outscoring the Cotton Blossoms 26-19.
 
The game remained closely contested, with the Tigers regaining the lead at 43-42 with just 4:45 left, courtesy of seven consecutive points from Crusoe. Despite UAM briefly taking a 45-43 edge, successful free throws from Kennedy Cummings gave the Tigers a slim 46-45 lead with just over a minute to go. After an unsuccessful three-point attempt from the Boll Weevils and the seconds ticking away, Crusoe secured the win with a crucial shot from beyond the arc, sealing the victory for the Tigers as time expired.  
 
Crusoe's career-high 30 points led all scoring in the game while marking her fourth double-double of the season with 11 rebounds. She shot 8-for-22 from the field and was perfect from the free throw line making  ll 12-of-12.
 
Jayden Weiberg contributed from the deep, sinking 2-of-4 from range while Cummings and Tatum Havens added five points and grabbed five and 12 boards, respectively.
 
The ECU women's basketball team will look to build on their momentum against Southern Arkansas University on Saturday, Jan. 13 at 1 pm.