RUSSELLVILLE, Ark. – The East Central University women's basketball team bounced back in impressive fashion during Sunday's GAC matchup against Arkansas Tech University, defeating the Golden Suns 64-44 at Tucker Coliseum to wrap up their final Arkansas road trip of the regular season.
 
With the win, ECU improves to 8-12 in GAC play, moving up to seventh place in the conference standings as the GAC Tournament approaches. The Tigers' final two regular-season games against Southwestern Oklahoma State University and Oklahoma Baptist University will be crucial in securing their spot in the tournament.
 
After Arkansas Tech scored the game's first two points, ECU took control with a three-pointer from Makenzy Herman, never relinquishing the lead. The Tigers extended their advantage to double digits at 15-5 following a free throw from Chloe Malone, finishing the first quarter with a 17-11 lead.
 
ATU managed to close the gap to a single possession on two occasions in the second quarter. However, a jumper from Claira Dannefer ignited an 8-1 run, helping ECU lead 26-16 at halftime.
 
While the Golden Suns came out strong in the third quarter, the Tigers maintained their edge, outscoring 20-18 to enter the final period with a comfortable 46-34 lead.
 
The fourth quarter was all ECU. The Tigers held on to their double-digit advantage throughout, reaching their largest lead at the final buzzer with the score settled at 64-44.
 
As a team, ECU outshot ATU 44.6% to 28.8%, dominated points in the paint 40-26, and outrebounded the Golden Suns 41-35.
 
Katie Edelen led the way for the Tigers with 19 points, shooting 8-of-18 from the field, while Eva Fernandez came close to a double-double with 14 points and nine rebounds. Peyton Mosley also recorded a career-high nine rebounds, and Chloe Malone added eight.
 
ECU will return to the Kerr Activities Center for their final home game of the season on Thursday, February 27, at 5:30 p.m. Following the game against SWOSU, the Tigers will honor their lone senior, Chloe Malone.