ADA, Okla. – The East Central University men's basketball team battled into overtime on Thursday night at the Kerr Activities Center, but No. 5 Southern Nazarene University remained unbeaten with an 88-80 victory in a tightly contested GAC matchup.
With the loss, ECU moves to 4-4 overall and 0-3 in conference play, while SNU improves to 9-0 and 3-0 in league action.
The Tigers went toe-to-toe with the nationally ranked Crimson Storm throughout the night, exchanging the lead 12 times and tying the score on eight occasions. ECU held a slim 33-32 advantage at halftime and continued to match SNU possession for possession during a high-scoring second half that ended knotted at 72-72, sending the game to overtime.
Southern Nazarene found an extra gear in the extra period, outscoring the Tigers 16-8 behind strong interior play and late free throws. ECU continued to compete, but SNU's efficiency in overtime proved to be the difference.
The Tigers shot 41.8 percent from the field and knocked down 11 three pointers, including seven after halftime. ECU also finished 23-for-35 at the free throw line and recorded 23 bench points and 20 points in the paint. However, SNU countered by shooting 52.5 percent overall, scoring 50 points in the paint, and capitalizing on 24 second-chance points.
Four Tigers reached double figures, led by
Jaden Miller's 18 points on 6-for-10 shooting along with five assists, three rebounds, and two blocks.
Jordan England followed with 16 points, going a perfect 10-for-10 at the free throw line while adding seven rebounds.
Rustin Coffey contributed 13 points on three made threes, and
Kameron Newsome provided a spark off the bench with 11 points and four rebounds.
ECU continues conference play on Saturday, December 13
, traveling to Northwestern Oklahoma State University for a 3 p.m. matchup in Alva.
