ADA, Okla. – The East Central University men's basketball team faced off against Oklahoma Baptist University in their final home game at the Kerr Activities Center before the New Year. In a hard-fought GAC contest that remained close throughout, the Bison rallied in the second half to edge out the Tigers 72-66 on Saturday.

The game was competitive from the start, with Mason Jones opening the scoring with a quick layup before OBU responded. The first half featured two lead changes and four ties, with ECU holding onto a narrow advantage after the midway point. Ryan Kelly's three-pointer at the 7:28 mark gave the Tigers their largest lead of the game, 21-15. The teams continued to trade baskets, keeping the score within one or two possessions, and ECU led 32-29 at halftime.

Out of the break, ECU maintained their lead, but OBU steadily chipped away at the deficit, tying the game at 37-all before taking their first lead since early in the first half. A pair of free throws from Jourdyn Grandberry and a three-pointer from Godsgift Ezedinma put ECU back ahead at 45-41, but a 6-2 run by OBU knotted the score once again, eventually regained the lead. A three-pointer from Mark Rucha gave the Tigers their last lead at 51-49, but OBU capitalized on late-game opportunities, building a lead as large as seven points at 68-61. Rucha hit another clutch three-pointer to trim the deficit to four and give ECU a chance to make a late run, but the Bison's trips to the free-throw line sealed their victory.

Despite shooting a higher percentage from the field (42.6% to 42.1%), ECU was outpaced by OBU in rebounding and free-throw shooting. The Bison dominated the boards, 42-31, and converted 21-of-29 free throws, compared to the Tigers' 13-of-22 from the line.

Bishop Jones led the Tigers with 22 points on 9-of-14 shooting, adding six rebounds. Godsgift Ezedinma and Ryan Kelley each contributed nine points, with Ezedinma narrowly missing a double-double with a team-high 10 rebounds. Mark Rucha and Mason Jones added eight points each.

The ECU men's basketball team will look to bounce back as they take on Southwestern Oklahoma State University in Weatherford on Monday, Dec. 16, at 7:30 pm.