ARKADELPHIA, Ark. – After defeating Henderson State University earlier this season, the East Central University women's basketball team fell short of completing the series sweep on Thursday night, losing 74-68 as the Reddies pulled away in the second half.
 
The game was tightly contested through the first two quarters, with both teams exchanging baskets and the lead multiple times, resulting in seven ties and seven lead changes. HSU narrowly led 16-15 after the first quarter, before both teams scored 20 points in the second. The Tigers trailed by just one point, 36-35, at the half.
 
The decisive stretch came in the third quarter, as the Reddies outscored the Tigers 18-9, extending their lead to 54-44 heading into the final frame.
 
ECU fought back in the fourth, delivering their highest-scoring quarter of the game with 24 points. Katie Edelen found her rhythm from beyond the arc, and Eva Fernandez contributed with quick layups, fueling a strong comeback effort. However, HSU maintained their offensive efficiency, scoring 20 points to seal the 74-68 win.
 
Despite outrebounding the Reddies 31-28 and outscoring them in the paint 30-22, the Tigers struggled from long range. HSU capitalized on their outside shooting, hitting 10-of-22 from beyond the arc, while ECU connected on just two, both in the fourth quarter.
 
Edelen led the Tigers with 18 points, while Claira Dannefer followed closely with 17. Fernandez registered her first double-double of the season, recording 12 points and 10 rebounds.
 
The ECU women's basketball team will look to bounce back in their next matchup against Ouachita Baptist University on Saturday at 1 p.m.