ADA, Okla. – East Central University delivered a Homecoming to remember on Saturday, defeating Oklahoma Baptist University 37-31 in a thrilling overtime battle at Koi Ishto Stadium. The Great American Conference clash saw both teams trading blows in a tightly contested matchup, but it was the Tigers who came out on top when it mattered most.
 
The victory moves ECU to 5-2 in GAC play, while Oklahoma Baptist drops to 2-5 on the season.

"Super proud of this football team," Head Coach John Litrenta said. "Unbelievable football game, highs and lows, but we battled. We played our best football in the fourth quarter and overtime. Also can't say enough about my coaching staff keeping them in and making adjustments. A lot to learn from after that win and we will coach them hard. I appreciate all the alumni that came back for this homecoming game. Proud to be a Tiger!"
 
The Tigers struck first midway through the opening quarter when Quincy Thompson powered into the end zone from three yards out, finishing off a methodical 8-play, 51-yard drive. Alexander McGregor added the extra point to give ECU a 7-0 lead. Oklahoma Baptist answered late in the quarter with a long 53-yard field goal, cutting the Tigers' lead to 7-3.
 
Early in the second quarter, ECU extended its lead to 10-3 after McGregor connected on a 47-yard field goal. However, the visitors responded with a 14-yard touchdown pass to even the score at 10-10. Two more field goals before the half, including a 44-yarder as time expired, shifted the momentum and sent ECU into the locker room trailing 16-10.
 
After regrouping at halftime, the Tigers came out strong in the third quarter. Quarterback Sergio Kennedy led an efficient drive capped by a 4-yard touchdown pass to Conner Combs, pushing ECU back in front, 17-16. But the Bison quickly answered with a 54-yard touchdown run to retake the lead, 23-17, setting the tone for a tense second half.
 
The back-and-forth battle continued into the fourth quarter. Kennedy delivered again, finding Xavier Gordon for a 49-yard touchdown strike that swung the lead back to the Tigers, 24-23. Yet, the Bison weren't done, putting together a 10-play, 73-yard drive that resulted in a touchdown and a successful two-point conversion to go up 31-24 with under eight minutes to play.
 
With the game on the line, ECU turned to Thompson, who delivered one of the game's defining moments. On just the third play of the drive, Thompson broke loose for a 30-yard touchdown run, tying the game at 31-31 with under two minutes remaining and sending the Homecoming crowd into a frenzy.
 
Oklahoma Baptist had one last chance to win it in regulation. After managing to drive into field goal range, they lined up for a potential game-winner: a 35-yard attempt with just one second remaining. But the kick sailed wide, sending the game into overtime and giving the Tigers new life.
 
In overtime, ECU's defense stood tall and kept the Bison out of the end zone. Taking over at the 25, the Tigers wasted no time. Kennedy capped off the possession, and the game, with a 2-yard touchdown run, sealing a thrilling 37-31 victory and touching off a celebration at Koi Ishto Stadium.
 
ECU's rushing attack was led by a dominant performance from Quincy Thompson, who carried the ball 15 times for 144 yards and two touchdowns, averaging 9.6 yards per carry. Complementing him was Cade Searcy, who added 92 tough yards on 17 carries for the duo to combine for 236 of the Tigers' 248 rushing yards.
 
In the passing game, Kaden Jones led all Tiger receivers with 5 catches for 80 yards, including a key 37-yard grab that helped flip field position. Xavier Gordon made a big impact with 4 receptions for 75 yards and a touchdown, highlighted by a 49-yard strike early in the fourth quarter. Conner Combs also found the end zone, hauling in 2 catches for 27 yards, including a 23-yard touchdown that sparked ECU's second-half comeback.
 
Sergio Kennedy delivered a sharp performance, going 14-of-21 for 195 yards and 2 touchdowns with no interceptions. He connected on key plays, including a 49-yard TD to Xavier Gordon and a 23-yarder to Conner Combs, then sealed the game with a 2-yard rushing touchdown in overtime.
 
ECU's defense played a key role in the win, led by Caden Pickens, who was the team's top tackler with 15 total stops and also added a quarterback hurry. Michael Onwuzurike contributed with a tackle for loss and an impressive six quarterback hurries, consistently pressuring the opposing offense. Du'Wayne Paulhill recorded 1.5 tackles for loss, helping disrupt key plays. The Tigers also showed strong coverage, with Keebler Wagoner breaking up a pass and making 11 total tackles.
 
The Tigers will now turn their attention to their next GAC matchup against Southwestern Oklahoma State University in Weatherford on Saturday, Oct. 25 at 2 pm.