ADA, Okla. – The East Central University men's basketball team delivered a strong offensive performance Thursday night, pulling away in the second half to defeat No. 23 Oklahoma Baptist 91–76 in a thrilling Great American Conference matchup at the Kerr Activities Center.
 
With the win, ECU improves to 5–5 overall and 1–4 in GAC play, while Oklahoma Baptist drops to 9–2 overall and 3–2 in conference play. The Tigers will now prepare for their final non-conference game of the season against Newman University on Sunday, Dec. 21 at 3 pm.
 
The first half was tightly contested, featuring seven ties and nine lead changes as both teams traded baskets. Oklahoma Baptist built a brief advantage midway through the half, but ECU responded with timely shooting and strong execution at the free-throw line to take a 36–33 lead into halftime.
 
The Tigers came out firing in the second half, turning the game in their favor with an explosive offensive stretch. ECU shot an impressive 71 percent from the field after halftime, hitting several three-pointers and attacking the paint with layups from Rustin Coffey, Hudson Linsenmeyer, and Brandon Mann. Jaden Miller's dominance at the free-throw line, converting 13 in the second half, helped the Tigers steadily build separation, outscoring the Bison 55–43 over the final 20 minutes. A balanced scoring attack, effective fast-break opportunities, and consistent ball movement allowed ECU to push the lead into double digits and maintain control down the stretch to secure the 91–76 victory.
 
ECU finished with a season-high 57.8 percent shooting from the field, 44.8 percent from three-point range, and 83.9 percent at the free-throw line, with 26 makes on 31 attempts. The second-half efficiency proved decisive, overcoming a slight disadvantage in points in the paint.
 
Coffey led all scorers with a career-high 26 points, including five three-pointers, while Miller added 17 points and a career-high 14 assists. Linsenmeyer also contributed 17 points on 6-of-8 shooting, and Jordan England rounded out the Tigers' double-figure scorers with 10 points.