ADA, Okla. – The East Central University women's basketball team hosted Southeastern Oklahoma State University on Thursday night for a Great American Conference rivalry. The Tigers were pushed into their second consecutive overtime game, but unfortunately fell short, losing 73-69.
 
With the loss, ECU drops to 5-10 overall and 3-8 in GAC play, while Southeastern Oklahoma State improves to 9-2 in conference action, now tied for second place.
 
The Kerr Activities Center was packed with students, fans, and members of the Chickasaw Nation community in celebration of Chickasaw Nation Appreciation Night, creating a thrilling atmosphere. The Tigers capitalized on the energy, building a commanding 24-point lead late in the second quarter. However, Southeastern Oklahoma State came alive in the second half, scoring 24 points to cut the deficit to 53-42 by the end of the third period.
 
In the fourth quarter, the Storm continued their hot shooting, draining four three-pointers. A pivotal three-pointer with 26 seconds left gave SE their first lead of the game. The Tigers responded with clutch plays as Eva Fernandez converted a layup and Chloe Malone hit two free throws to give ECU a three-point lead at 61-58. However, a controversial three-point shooting foul on ECU sent SE to the free-throw line, where they made all three attempts to tie the game at 61-61, forcing overtime.
 
The Storm took control in the extra period, opening with a 6-1 run to take a 67-62 lead with 3:18 remaining. ECU fought back, with Malone's layup tying the game at 68-68 with 1:10 to go. But Southeastern Oklahoma State's free-throw shooting proved decisive, as they pushed their lead to 71-68 with 12 seconds left. ECU responded with a free throw of their own, but SE sealed the win with two more free throws in the final seconds to secure the 73-69 victory.
 
Eva Fernandez delivered a career-high performance, scoring 23 points on 9-of-15 shooting, while also contributing six rebounds and six assists. Chloe Malone added 13 points and a team-high eight rebounds, and Kayley Alt contributed nine points, including three three-pointers.
 
The Tigers will look to rebound when they face Northwestern Oklahoma State University on Saturday, Jan. 25 at 1 p.m.