ADA, Okla. – The East Central University women's basketball team battled against No. 10 Harding University on Thursday night in the first of a three-game home slate. Despite a strong comeback effort, the Tigers fell 68-55.
 
With the loss, ECU drops to 9-10 in GAC play while Harding improves to 16-3 to remain at the top of the conference standings. The Tigers will now prepare for their next matchup against Arkansas Tech University on Saturday, Feb. 21 at 1 p.m.
 
In the first quarter, ECU looked to get going offensively but got off to a slow start, with nothing falling until the 5:17 mark. A big three from Jayden Weiberg tried to set the tone early for the Tigers, but Harding continued to outshoot ECU from the field. Rylie Burnett and Ella Lavigne each added crucial layups to generate offense. The Tigers closed the quarter trailing 16-9, looking to bounce back after a tough opening ten minutes.
 
ECU continued searching for momentum in the second quarter as they aimed to chip away at the deficit. Makenzy Herman added two points on a layup, while a jumper from Rylie Burnett and a three from Natalie Milwood provided a spark. However, the Tigers entered the locker room trailing 36-16 at halftime.
 
The Tigers came out strong in the third quarter, beginning with a made three from Natalie Milwood. Katie Edelen helped fuel the run as ECU looked to climb back into the game. The third quarter was full of energy, with the Tigers outscoring the Bison 28-11 to pull within three points heading into the final frame.
 
With the home crowd behind them, the Tigers pushed for the upset. Natalie Milwood led the charge, scoring 16 points through three quarters and making her presence felt all over the court. As a team, ECU shot an impressive 69.2% from the field in the quarter, was flawless from beyond the arc, and narrowly out-rebounded Harding 6-5.
 
ECU entered the final 10 minutes with momentum on its side. A jumper from Tatum Havens pulled the Tigers within one, but Harding answered to regain the edge. A clutch three from Jayden Weiberg tied the game, and the teams continued to trade baskets down the stretch. Ultimately, Harding pushed its lead to 67-55 with under a minute remaining. ECU was unable to convert in the closing seconds, falling by a final score of 68-55.
 
The Tigers finished the game shooting 33.3% from the field compared to Harding's 50% and were edged on the boards, 34-28.
 
Natalie Milwood led the Tigers offensively with a vareer-high 19 points, shooting an efficient 6-of-11 from the field and 5-of-7 from beyond the arc. Jayden Weiberg followed with 12 points, knocking down four three-pointers and pulling down three rebounds in 38 minutes of action.