ALVA, Okla. – The East Central University men's basketball team wrapped up their final game before the New Year on Thursday night, falling to Northwestern Oklahoma State University 77-67. Despite an early lead, the Tigers struggled with turnovers and were unable to respond quick enough, ultimately leading to the defeat.
 
With the loss, ECU drops to 1-4 in Great American Conference (GAC) play, while NWOSU improves to 3-2. The Tigers will look to regroup after the Christmas break when they return to action on Saturday, Jan. 4, against Southern Nazarene University at 3 p.m. at the Kerr Activities Center.
 
As a team, ECU shot a season-best 58.1% from the field, outshooting the Rangers, who posted 44.3%. The Tigers also outrebounded NWOSU 30-23, but 21 turnovers, compared to just 7 for the Rangers, proved costly. NWOSU capitalized on those turnovers, converting them into 25 points. The Rangers also shot 10-of-32 from three-point range, while ECU managed just 4-of-15.
 
Bishop Jones led the Tigers with 25 points, shooting an efficient 11-of-12 from the field and a perfect 3-for-3 from the free-throw line. Mark Rucha added 15 points, including two three-pointers, and dished out five assists. Nikk Williams rounded out the double-digit scorers with 10 points and a team-high five rebounds.
 
Rucha opened the game with a three-pointer, but NWOSU quickly responded with one of their own to tie the game. After six straight points from Jones, ECU held a 9-5 lead. However, that would be the Tigers' last advantage as the Rangers went on an 11-0 run to take control. From there, NWOSU's three-point shooting and aggressive defense allowed them to steadily pull away, eventually leading 35-24 at halftime.
 
Jones opened the second half with a layup to trim the deficit to nine points, but NWOSU quickly answered with another three-pointer to extend the lead. The Rangers pushed their largest lead to 23 points at 59-36 midway through the second half. ECU fought back, with Jones, Rucha, and Williams helping bring the Tigers within eight points at 71-63 with one minute remaining. However, the Tigers' late push fell short, and NWOSU held on for the win.