ADA, Okla. – The East Central University women's basketball team pushed rivals Southeastern Oklahoma State University to overtime in the Great American Classic showdown, but came up just short in a heartbreaking 64-62 loss on Thursday night inside the Kerr Activities Center.
 
The Tigers (7-8, 3-8 GAC) led at the end of three quarters and had multiple chances late in both regulation and overtime, but the Savage Storm (6-11, 3-8 GAC) sealed the win at the free-throw line in the final seconds.
 
ECU carried a 24-22 advantage into halftime after a back-and-forth second quarter that featured several lead changes. The Tigers maintained momentum into the third, holding a slim 46-45 lead heading into the final period after eight ties and nine lead changes during the quarter.
 
ECU held a four-point lead midway through the fourth quarter before Southeastern answered with a late surge to even the score. However, a clutch three-pointer by Jayden Weiberg with 16 seconds remaining in regulation forced overtime for the first time this season.
 
The Tigers struck early in the overtime period and briefly regained the lead with a three at the 2:40 mark from Weiberg, but Southeastern responded down the stretch. ECU tied the game at 61-61 with just over a minute remaining after Katie Edelen's jumper, keeping the pressure on until the final horn.
 
Despite final opportunities at the free-throw line in the closing seconds, the Tigers were unable to convert, allowing Southeastern to escape with the two-point victory.
 
Katie Edelen paced the Tigers with a double-double, finishing with 16 points and 12 rebounds. Rylie Burnett followed with nine points while dishing out a team-high six assists, and Eva Fernandez and Claira Dannefer each added seven points.
 
ECU women's basketball will look to respond in its next Great American Conference matchup against Southern Nazarene. The contest has been rescheduled for Monday, Jan. 26, with tipoff set for 5:30 p.m. due to inclement weather.