SEARCY, Ark. – The East Central University women's basketball team squared off against Harding University on Friday in the first of two weekend matchups in Arkansas. Despite outscoring the Lady Bisons in the second half, the Tigers fell short, losing 60-56 at Rhodes-Reaves Field House.
 
ECU started strong, holding an 11-6 lead in the first quarter thanks to back-to-back three-pointers from Katie Edelen. However, a dominant 14-2 run by Harding shifted the momentum, and the Tigers found themselves trailing by double digits for much of the second quarter, heading into halftime down 31-22.
 
The Tigers came out strong in the second half, slowly chipping away at the deficit. A three-pointer from Makenzy Herman ignited a 7-0 run, bringing ECU within four points at 36-32. But for a five-minute stretch, ECU was held to just two free throws by Claira Dannefer and a layup from Peyton Mosley, while Harding extended its lead to 44-36 heading into the final period.
 
In the fourth quarter, more free throws from Dannefer and a layup by Eva Fernandez once again closed the gap to four. The Tigers found themselves trailing by just four on three occasions, including a crucial jumper from Edelen at the 1:49 mark. Unfortunately, missed shots and fouls down the stretch allowed Harding to seal the victory at the free throw line, finalizing the score at 60-56.
 
Katie Edelen led the offense with 18 points, including three three-pointers, and added six rebounds. Eva Fernandez contributed 15 points on 5-of-11 shooting from the field. Peyton Mosley scored 11 points, including a key seven-point run in the fourth quarter to fuel the Tigers' comeback attempt. Claira Dannefer nearly recorded a double-double, grabbing 10 rebounds and scoring eight points.
 
The ECU women's basketball team will look to bounce back in their next game against Arkansas Tech University on Sunday at 1 p.m.