SEARCY, Ark. – The East Central University men's basketball team couldn't overcome a hot-shooting Harding University squad, falling 95-55 on Friday at Rhodes-Reaves Field House.
 
Struggles with rebounding and defending Harding's sharp shooting were the key factors in the loss. The Bisons lit it up from beyond the arc, hitting 17 three-pointers compared to the Tigers' mere three. Harding also dominated the glass, outrebounding ECU 46-25, controlling both ends of the floor.
 
Despite a big road win over Southern Nazarene University last Saturday, ECU never fully settled into their offense while Harding found theirs early. The Bisons jumped out to a 27-14 lead in the first ten minutes, extended it to 48-22 at halftime, and never looked back. Harding maintained at least a 30-point lead throughout the second half, ultimately cruising to victory.
 
East Central struggled with their shooting, posting just 33.3% from the field, while Harding shot a strong 54.5%.
 
Nikk Williams and Mark Rucha led the Tigers with 12 points each, making five field goals apiece, with Williams also pulling down a team-high eight rebounds. Jourdyn Grandberry chipped in 11 points.
 
The ECU men's basketball team will look to bounce back and regroup for their next matchup against Arkansas Tech University on Sunday at 3 p.m.