ADA, Okla. – The East Central University women's basketball team got back on track with a big home win against Northwestern Oklahoma State University, snapping the Rangers' three-game win streak with a 62-58 win on Saturday afternoon.
 
The victory improves ECU's record to 4-8 in GAC play, while Northwestern drops to 6-6.
 
ECU came out strong, with Katie Edelen hitting a three-pointer to open the game. The Rangers trailed 7-6, but the Tigers' defense locked in, holding Northwestern scoreless for five minutes as ECU stretched its lead to 11-6. Despite both teams finding their rhythm offensively, the Tigers held a 14-9 advantage at the end of the first quarter.
 
The second quarter saw both teams exchange baskets, but ECU continued to stay in front. A three-pointer from Kayley Alt and a layup by Peyton Mosley pushed the Tigers' lead to double digits at 22-10 midway through the period. Though Northwestern responded with a three-pointer, a 6-0 run by the Tigers extended their lead, and ECU went into halftime up 28-18.
 
Despite limiting the Rangers to a season-low 18 points in the first half, ECU was tested in the third quarter as Northwestern came alive, scoring 22 points to tie the game at 40-all with under a minute remaining. However, a clutch three-pointer by Tatum Havens helped the Tigers regain a 43-40 lead heading into the final quarter.
 
The fourth quarter was a tense, back-and-forth affair, with the Rangers inching closer and cutting the deficit to just one point on three occasions. The last came with 1:53 remaining, when Northwestern trailed 56-55. But free throws from Alt and a key three-pointer from Mosley gave ECU a crucial 60-55 advantage with 30 seconds left. Though a lucky hook shot three from the Rangers made it a one-possession game, the Tigers sealed the win with two free throws from Edelen.
 
Katie Edelen led ECU with 19 points on 6-of-9 shooting, including three three-pointers and a perfect 4-for-4 from the free throw line. Kayley Alt added 12 points, also hitting three threes, while Claira Dannefer chipped in with 10 points and four rebounds.
 
The Tigers will hit the road next week, facing Henderson State University on Jan. 30 and Ouachita Baptist University on Feb. 1.