ARKADELLPHIA, Ark. – The East Central University men's basketball team overcame an early double-digit deficit and mounted a late comeback to earn a much-needed 78-77 Great American Conference victory over Henderson State University inside Duke Wells Center on Saturday afternoon.
 
The win improves ECU's overall record to 9-7 and levels their conference record to 5-5.
 
"Big-time effort from the guys and they found a way," Head Coach Daniel Wheeler said. "So many different guys made huge plays. Henderson is a good team that is really well-coached. We have a long way to go but today was a step in the right direction."
 
Struggling to find a consistent shooting rhythm in the first half, the Tigers trailed 35-27 and faced a 19-point deficit in the second half. However, ECU dialed in when it mattered most to turn the game around.
 
Trailing Henderson 77-68 with 2:40 minutes remaining, the Tigers embarked on an 8-0 rally to suddenly trail by one point after Bryce Woolridge's clutch three-pointer at the 0:31 mark. Henderson had the chance to extend their lead at the charity stripe, but they faltered, allowing ECU to capitalize. Keyon Thomas, drawing a crucial foul, sank the go-ahead free throws, securing a 78-77 edge that held until the final buzzer.
 
Despite Henderson's higher field goal percentage (47.7% to ECU's 43.5%), the Tigers' second-half shooting, including nine three-pointers, propelled them to victory, outscoring the Reddies 51-42.
 
The Tigers showcased a balanced offensive attack, with notable contributions from Godsgift Ezedinma, Keyon Thomas, Bryce Woolridge, and Robel Desta.
 
Ezedinma led with 17 points, shooting 7-of-12 from the field, including three from beyond the arc.
 
Thomas and Woolridge were right behind scoring 16 points each, with Thomas going 6-for-17 from the field and 3-for-4 from the free throw line while Woolridge shot 6-for-13 with four of them coming from beyond the arc.
 
Desta rounded out the double-digit scoring adding 15 points, including five of the Tigers' last 10 points to secure the victory.
 
The ECU men's basketball team will return to Ada to host Chickasaw Appreciation Night against rivals Southeastern Oklahoma State University on Thursday, Jan. 25 at 7:30 pm.