ADA, Okla. – The East Central University women's basketball team bounced back in the win column Thursday night, defeating Henderson State University 73–65 inside the Kerr Activities Center.
 
With the victory, ECU improves to 4–8 in Great American Conference play, while HSU falls to 7–5. The Tigers will now prepare to face Ouachita Baptist University on Saturday, Jan. 31, at 1 p.m.
 
ECU got the scoring started with a jumper from Natalie Milwood, sparking a 6–1 early lead. The Tigers continued to maintain separation throughout the first quarter, pushing the advantage to as many as eight following a three-pointer from Milwood. Rylie Burnett added a late three-pointer, helping ECU take an 18–13 lead into the second quarter.
 
The Tigers controlled the tempo in the second quarter, answering every basket to maintain their lead. ECU leaned on its interior offense, getting key points in the paint from Eva Fernandez, Rylie Burnett, Katie Edelen, and Claira Dannefer. The lead grew to as many as nine before HSU closed the half on a 4–0 run, with ECU holding a 35–30 advantage at halftime.
 
ECU opened the third quarter with a three-pointer from Milwood to reestablish an eight-point cushion. The Tigers responded to every scoring push, and when Henderson State narrowed the margin to two at 47–45, a jumper from Dannefer and a free throw from Tatum Havens pushed ECU back ahead, taking a 50–45 lead into the fourth quarter.
 
The fourth quarter belonged to ECU, as the Tigers erupted for 23 points for their highest scoring frame of the night. A jumper from Fernandez gave ECU a 14-point lead, and the Tigers never looked back, cruising to a 73–65 victory.
 
ECU executed efficiently on both ends of the floor, controlling the paint 38–22, winning the battle on the boards 36–24, and limiting second-chance opportunities. The Tigers also shot a season-high 62.2% from the field.
 
Katie Edelen led the way with 19 points, followed by Eva Fernandez with 17, Claira Dannefer with 12, and Natalie Milwood adding 11, including three from beyond the arc. Rylie Burnett contributed 10 points to round out the double-digit scoring for ECU.