SEARCY, Ark. – The East Central University women's basketball team went toe-to-toe with No. 15 Harding University on Saturday, leading late before a fourth-quarter surge by the Lady Bisons proved decisive in a 59–52 loss at the Rhodes-Reaves Field House.
 
With the setback, ECU moves to 7–7 overall and 3–7 in Great American Conference play, while Harding improves to 14–2 overall and 8–2 in league action.
 
The contest was tightly contested from the opening tip. The Tigers held a 16–13 edge after the first quarter before Harding answered with a 13–10 second quarter to send the game into halftime knotted at 26–26.
 
Coming out of the break, ECU delivered its most efficient stretch of the afternoon. An 11–0 run to close the third quarter, sparked by a layup from Claira Dannefer, turned a four-point deficit into a 43–38 advantage heading into the final period.
 
However, Harding responded in the fourth, outscoring the Tigers 21–9 to regain control. The Lady Bisons took the lead for good midway through the quarter and sealed the outcome in the final minute with a three-point play to extend the margin to seven.
 
Despite the result, ECU controlled the interior throughout the game, outscoring Harding 44–26 in the paint and holding a 38–35 edge on the glass. The Tigers were unable to capitalize from long range, finishing 0-for-10 from beyond the arc, which allowed Harding to tighten its defense late.
 
Katie Edelen led the Tigers with a double-double, recording 12 points and 10 rebounds. Rylie Burnett and Eva Fernandez each added nine points, while Dannefer chipped in eight.