ADA, Okla. – The East Central University women's basketball team hosted Oklahoma Baptist University for their third consecutive home game, with both teams entering the matchup undefeated in GAC play. However, the high expectations were met with a slow start from the Tigers, making it difficult for them to mount a comeback, and ultimately resulting in a 69-50 loss on Saturday.
 
This marked ECU's first conference defeat, dropping their record to 2-1 in GAC play and placing them fourth in the standings, while OBU improved to 4-0, claiming the top spot.
 
OBU quickly built a 21-11 lead in the first quarter and never let go of control, maintaining the advantage throughout the game. By halftime, they had extended their lead to 37-20, while ECU struggled to find their rhythm.
 
Though the Tigers showed improvement in the second half—highlighted by increased three-point shooting from Jayden Weiberg, as well as key interior work from Chloe Malone and Eva Fernandez—OBU kept pace, matching baskets and maintaining a comfortable lead until the final buzzer.
 
As a team, ECU shot a season-low 38.9% from the field, while OBU posted a season-high 45.9%. Both teams grabbed 34 rebounds, but OBU outperformed the Tigers in free-throw shooting, bench points, and points off turnovers.
 
Eva Fernandez led the offense with 16 points on 7-of-10 shooting, while Jayden Weiberg added 12 points, including three three-pointers, on 4-for-11 shooting. Chloe Malone registered a team-high 10 rebounds.
 
The ECU women's basketball team will look to regroup quickly as they face Southwestern Oklahoma State University on Monday, Dec. 16, at 5:30 pm in Weatherford.