ADA, Okla. – The East Central University men's basketball team wrapped up their successful weekend homestand with a hard-fought 76-66 victory over Arkansas-Monticello in their final Saturday home game of the season at the Kerr Activities Center.
 
The win improves their record to 6-10 in GAC play, with another crucial matchup against rivals Southeastern Oklahoma State University set for Thursday, Feb. 13, at 7:30 p.m.
 
It was a back-and-forth battle in the first half, featuring six lead changes and several ties, with neither team holding more than a four-point advantage. UAM scored the first two points of the game, but Mason Jones quickly put ECU on top with a three-pointer. The Boll Weevils regained the lead over the next seven minutes, until a layup from Jones at the 9:26 mark put the Tigers ahead, 18-17. Nikk Williams then scored five consecutive points to give ECU their largest lead of the half at 23-19, but UAM responded with a 6-0 run to take the lead back. The Tigers tied the game three times with jumpers from Mark Rucha and a layup from Jones, but couldn't quite take the lead, trailing 37-35 at halftime.
 
Coming out of the break, Godsgift Ezedinma became a major force in the paint, providing key baskets whenever the ball was fed to him. The teams traded baskets again, with slight advantages changing hands throughout. But at the 15-minute mark, a layup from Williams and a three-pointer from Jones gave ECU a lead they would not relinquish. The Tigers went on a scoring run, eventually pushing their lead to as much as 13 points down the stretch. UAM had no answer offensively, and ECU sealed the win 76-66.
 
The Tigers had a balanced offensive attack, with Nikk Williams leading the way with 23 points on 9-of-16 shooting, adding a team-high seven rebounds. Godsgift Ezedinma was also a standout, scoring 19 points on 7-of-12 shooting, while pulling down seven rebounds. Mason Jones and Mark Rucha each contributed 12 points to round out the double-digit scorers.