ADA, Okla. - The East Central University men's basketball team faced off against GAC rival Southeastern Oklahoma State University on Thursday night in an intense matchup at the Kerr Activities Center, which was filled with energy from athletes across all sports and the Chickasaw Nation community celebrating Chickasaw Appreciation Night. The Tigers fought back from a 15-point deficit, fueled by an incredible stretch of six consecutive three-pointers from Ryan Kelly in the second half. Despite their best efforts, ECU fell just short, losing 83-79 in a hard-fought battle.

From the opening tip, the game was a back-and-forth battle with numerous lead changes and exchanged baskets. After 15 minutes of play, the score was tied at 25 apiece. The Storm then unleashed a quick 10-0 run in just over 90 seconds. Despite this surge, the Tigers stayed within reach thanks to 11-point halves from Nikk Williams and Mark Rucha, though they entered halftime trailing 48-33.
 
SE opened the second half with another bucket, extending their lead to a game-high 17 points at 50-33. However, ECU refused to back down, steadily chipping away at the deficit with tough inside scoring. The momentum shifted dramatically with just under 13 minutes remaining when guard Ryan Kelly caught fire from deep, drilling six consecutive three-pointers, dissolving the Storm's once-comfortable lead to just five points at 71-66.
 
With under four minutes remaining, the Tigers tied the game at 73, putting the comeback within reach. However, SE's clutch free-throw shooting and a late three-pointer sealed the game as the Storm squeaked out the victory 83-79.

Nikk Williams and Ryan Kelly were instrumental in the Tigers' comeback, both delivering career-high performances. Williams led the ECU offense with 31 points, narrowly missing a triple-double with eight rebounds and nine assists. Kelly added 18 points, all of which came from beyond the arc, as he went 6-of-9 from three-point range. Mark Rucha also contributed 11 points, shooting 4-of-5 from the field and making all his free throws.

The Tigers will return to the Kerr Activities Center this Saturday, January 25th, to face off against Northwestern Oklahoma State University.