ARKADELPHIA, Ark. – Despite a strong start, the East Central University women's basketball faced challenges in the second half, allowing Ouachita Baptist to secure a 64-55 Great American Conference victory on Thursday night in Arkadelphia.
 
The Tigers (5-7, 1-7 GAC) displayed early dominance in the first quarter, executing plays effectively and outscoring Ouachita 11-7. Maintaining their momentum in the following period, ECU extended their lead to as much as 12 points. However, a scoreless stretch allowed the purple Tigers to stage a comeback, narrowing the halftime deficit to four points at 23-19.
 
Out of the break, ECU made efforts to retain their lead, breaking their scoreless streak to go up 27-23. But Ouachita regained the advantage at the 6:08 minute mark and controlled the remaining periods. With a 25-point fourth-quarter performance, the purple Tigers pulled away with the GAC victory.
 
ECU struggled with fouls, racking up 27, and Ouachita capitalized by converting 19-of-21 foul shots. The Tigers finished 37% from the field while the purple Tigers had a 40% shooting accuracy.
 
Leading the scoring for the Tigers were Mackenzie Crusoe with 18 points and six rebounds, and Kennedy Cummings contributing 11 points and a team-high eight rebounds.
 
The ECU women's basketball team will face Henderson State University tomorrow at 1 pm to conclude their road swing.