ADA, Okla. – The East Central University basketball team hosted out-of-state opponent Henderson State University on Thursday night in Ada, but ultimately fell 85-68 to the sharpshooting Reddies, who boasted an impressive 55.6% shooting mark from the field in the Great American Conference matchup.
 
Mackenzie Crusoe got the game started with a three-pointer to secure the first lead. However, within the next three minutes, HSU embarked on a 12-0 scoring spree, seizing a commanding 12-3 lead. The Tigers answered back, though, spurred by Natalie Payne's jumper that ignited a 12-4 run to narrow the gap to one point at 16-15. Nevertheless, the Reddies responded with a three-pointer and a three-point play to conclude the first period with a 22-17 advantage.
 
Crusoe resumed scoring in the second period with a three-pointer to trim the deficit to 22-20, but HSU countered every attack, gradually extending their lead to 40-29, their largest of the half. After a pair of free throws from Tatum Havens and jumper from Crusoe, the Tiers trailed 40-33 heading into halftime.
 
The third quarter saw the Tigers bring the game within three-possession game on a few occasions, but HSU managed to widen the gap, maintaining a double-digit lead for the majority of the quarter. Entering the final 10 minutes of the contest, ECU faced a 61-50 deficit.
 
The Reddies remained in control for the entire fourth quarter, securing two quick baskets before extending their lead to a game-high 23 points. By the final buzzer, HSU emerged victorious with an 85-68 win.
 
ECU finished 40.3% from the field as a team while HSU maintained a shooting accuracy of 50% or above in all four quarters, along with a 10-of-20 three-point conversion rate.
 
Mackenzie Crusoe and Natalie Payne led the Tigers with 16 points each. Crusoe went 6-for-18 on the floor, including three three-pointers and grabbing a team-high eight boards, while Payne shot 8-for-10 from the field. Jayden Weiberg also scored in double figures, securing 11 points with three three-pointers as well.
 
The Tigers drop to 7-16 on the season and 3-16 in GAC play. They will rest Friday before hosting Ouachita Baptist University on Saturday at 1 pm.