ARKADELPHIA, Ark. – The East Central University men's basketball team opened Great American Conference play on the road Thursday night, facing Ouachita Baptist University in the Battle of the Tigers. ECU came in riding a four-game winning streak but fell just short in their conference opener, 69–63, marking the Tigers' second loss of the season.
 
ECU will turn their focus to their next GAC matchup against Henderson State University on Saturday, Dec. 6, at 3 p.m.
 
The Tigers started strong, opening on a 7–1 run with Brandon Mann completing a three-point play, Jordan England scoring inside, and Rustin Coffey adding a layup. But ECU's offense stalled after the hot start. A stretch of missed layups and a pair of early turnovers fueled a 9–0 run by Ouachita, flipping the score to 12–7. Hudson Linsenmeyer stopped the surge with a three-pointer, and England's and-one shortly after cut the deficit to 14–13. Another quick run by the hosts pushed Ouachita ahead 22–17 with eight minutes remaining in the half.
 
Coffey briefly tied the game at 17–17, but a turnover near the seven-minute mark sparked another run for Ouachita. Jaden Miller responded with a three-point play to make it 24–22, keeping ECU close, and Braden Baum provided a late spark with two layups, trimming the halftime deficit to 32–27.
 
In the second half, ECU continued to battle, chipping away at the lead with key baskets from England, Linsenmeyer, and Coffey. Miller and Mann fueled a brief surge that brought the Tigers within 41–39. Later, a three-pointer from Kameron Newsome and a fast-break layup by Miller cut the gap to 63–61. Despite ECU's persistent pressure, Ouachita consistently countered with timely baskets and free throws, ultimately securing a 69–63 victory.
 
Statistically, the contest was tightly contested. ECU held a 35–31 advantage on the boards, but Ouachita had the edge in points in the paint, 42–40. ECU also struggled with turnovers, committing seven more than the hosts, and made five fewer field goals, making it difficult to fully overcome the deficit.
 
Jaden Miller led the way, recording a double-double with 16 points on 5-of-8 shooting, 6-of-7 from the free-throw line, and 10 assists. Rustin Coffey added 11 points and five rebounds, while Jordan England chipped in nine points and four boards.