ADA, Okla. – The East Central University men's basketball team extended their win streak to three with a 77-65 victory over Harding University on Saturday at the Kerr Activities Center, capping off a successful week at home.
 
With the win, ECU improves to 4-6 in Great American Conference play, while Harding drops to 5-5.
 
Nikk Williams got the Tigers off to a strong start, followed by a jumper from Godsgift Ezedinma, as ECU quickly took control of the game. After Harding closed the gap to 9-7, a three-pointer by Bryce Woolridge sparked a 9-0 run that gave the Tigers an 18-7 lead midway through the first half. Later, back-to-back three-pointers from Williams and Ryan Kelly, along with a layup from Jourdyn Grandberry, fueled an 8-0 run that gave ECU their largest lead of 16 points. Although Harding answered with three consecutive three-pointers to cut the deficit to seven, a final jumper from Grandberry kept the Tigers ahead, 39-30, at halftime.
 
Out of the break, Harding continued to chip away at the lead, pulling within five at 41-36. However, the Tigers responded with an 8-2 run, including two three-pointers from Ezedinma, to extend their lead to 49-38. Despite Harding's hot shooting from beyond the arc, ECU kept answering back, maintaining a comfortable lead. The Bisons cut the margin to five on two occasions, but the Tigers closed the game strong, outscoring Harding 16-9 in the final minutes to seal the win.
 
As a team, ECU dominated in several key areas including shooting (50.9% to 42.9%), points in the paint (36-22), rebounding (32-27), and free throws (16-6).
 
Bryce Woolridge led the Tigers with 22 points, shooting an efficient 6-of-8 from the field and 8-of-9 from the free throw line, along with seven rebounds. Godsgift Ezedinma added 15 points, going 6-for-9 from the field, including three three-pointers. Nikk Williams contributed 13 points on 4-of-8 shooting and grabbed a team-high eight rebounds. Mark Rucha rounded out the double-digit scorers with 11 points and three steals.
 
The ECU men's basketball team will return to the Kerr Activities Center for a rivalry matchup against Southeastern Oklahoma State University on Thursday, Jan. 23, at 7:30 p.m.