RUSSELLVILLE, Ark. – After more than two weeks off, the East Central University men's basketball team suffered their first GAC road match loss of the season to Arkansas Tech on Thursday night inside Tucker Coliseum.
 
Following the defeat, the Tigers dropped to 7-4 overall and 3-2 in conference play.
 
The first half belonged to Arkansas Tech as the home team jumped out to an early 27-8 lead throughout 13 and a half minutes while ECU connected on just three of its first 10 shots. Nikk Williams' layup interrupted the Wonder Boys' scoring run, but the Tigers could not find their rhythm. With 12 turnovers and a 26% shooting rate (6-23 FG) from the floor, ECU trailed Arkansas Tech 35-14 heading into halftime.
 
In the second half, the Tigers doubled their scoring output shooting 50% (9-18 FG) from the field. Despite their effort, Arkansas Tech stopped any chance of ECU closing the gap to less than a 20-point deficit, denying the Tigers an opportunity for a comeback. The deficit got to as many as 34 points before the Wonder Boys secured a decisive 76-43 victory to remain perfect in league action.
 
ECU shot 36.6% (15-41 FG) as a team and turned the ball over 19 total times, allowing Arkansas Tech to convert those into 32 points.
 
Mohamed Elgohary led the Tigers' effort with 14 points on 4-of-5 shooting from the field and 6-of-10 shooting from the free throw line.
 
Nikk Williams connected for eight points and grabbed a team-high five rebounds while Jaden Miller added five points and three assists.
 
The ECU men's basketball team will look to bounce back when they face Harding University on Jan. 6 at 3 pm.