ADA, Okla. – The East Central University men's basketball team squared off against Southern Arkansas University in a pivotal Great American Conference matchup on Thursday night. With a spot in the GAC Tournament on the line, the Tigers secured an important 75-62 victory over the Muleriders.
 
The win improves ECU to 5-10 in GAC play as they look to build momentum ahead of Saturday's conference clash against the University of Arkansas at Monticello.
 
SAU opened the scoring with an early layup, but the Tigers quickly seized control. Mason Jones knocked down a three-pointer, followed by another from Mark Rucha. After a Mulerider layup, Nikk Williams added another three-pointer to extend the Tigers' lead. Despite a couple of runs that brought SAU within one point, ECU answered each time to maintain their advantage.
 
 A three from Bryce Woolridge at the 8:19 mark sparked a 7-0 run, putting the Tigers ahead by as much as eight. However, the Muleriders responded late in the first half, briefly taking a 36-35 lead. But Williams answered with a layup, and Jourdyn Grandberry followed with a dunk, giving ECU a 39-37 lead at the break.
 
SAU tied the game at 39-all to open the second half, but ECU quickly regained the lead on a layup from Rucha and never looked back. The Tigers' offense and defense proved too much for the Muleriders, who shot just 28.7% in the second half. ECU built a lead as large as 14 points before sealing the crucial win.
 
Nikk Williams led the way with a double-double performance, scoring 18 points, grabbing 10 rebounds, and dishing out six assists. Mark Rucha added 14 points, shooting 4-of-8 from the field and 5-of-7 from the free-throw line. Godsgift Ezedinma and Mason Jones contributed 12 points each in the win.