ADA, Okla. – The East Central University men's basketball team squared off against rival Southeastern Oklahoma State on Thursday night, delivering a dominant 84-64 victory inside the Kerr Activities Center to cap off a successful Chickasaw Nation Appreciation Night.
 
The Tigers (8-9, 3-8 GAC) used balanced scoring and extended runs in both halves to pull away and secure the 20-point win over the Savage Storm (4-13, 3-8 GAC) in front of the home crowd.
 
After a tight opening stretch, ECU seized momentum midway through the first half with an 8-0 run sparked by Jaden Miller to build a 21-11 advantage. Southeastern briefly responded to trim the deficit, but the Tigers answered once again, closing the half with a strong surge to extend the lead to double figures. ECU carried a 49-34 advantage into the locker room.
 
Southeastern cut the margin to single digits early in the second half, but the Tigers quickly regained control with a 10-0 run capped by a Brandon Mann three-pointer to push the lead to 61-42. From there, ECU never allowed the Storm to threaten.
 
The Tigers remained in control throughout the final minutes, closing out the 84-64 victory with a complete performance on both ends of the floor.
 
Despite Southeastern knocking down 12 three-pointers compared to ECU's six, the Tigers dominated the paint, outscoring the Storm 48-20 inside. ECU also held the advantage on the glass, outrebounding Southeastern 29-24.
 
Rustin Coffey, Brandon Mann, and Jaden Miller powered the Tigers' offense, all scoring in double figures. Coffey led the way with 23 points on a perfect 9-of-9 shooting night, including three triples, while also recording a season-high three blocks. Mann followed with 18 points on 8-of-9 shooting, and Miller posted a double-double with 17 points and 13 assists, shooting a perfect 7-of-7 from the free-throw line.
 
The Tigers will now turn their attention to their next Great American Conference matchup at Southern Nazarene on Monday, Jan. 26, with tipoff set for 5:30 p.m. in Bethany.