MAGNOLIA, Ark. – The East Central University men's basketball team pulled off a thrilling comeback Thursday night, capped off by Rustin Coffey draining a buzzer-beater three to edge Southern Arkansas 59-58 at the W.T. Watson Athletic Center.
 
The win improves ECU's record to 10-10 overall and 5-9 in Great American Conference play, while the Muleriders fall to 4-10 in league action.
 
ECU fell behind early, struggling to find rhythm in the first half. The Tigers shot just 43.5% from the field, connecting on only two three-pointers, while Southern Arkansas poured in 34 points on 59% shooting and six three-pointers to hold a 34-22 lead at the break.
 
The second half, however, belonged to the Tigers. Javaun Henderson's layup opened the scoring for ECU, sparking a 16-7 run that brought the Tigers back into contention. Race Herr added two key three-pointers during an 11-0 stretch, giving ECU a 50-44 lead with just over seven minutes to play. The teams traded baskets down the stretch, and Southern Arkansas reclaimed a 58-56 lead with only three seconds remaining. With the clock winding down, ECU ran their final play through Rustin Coffey, who sank the game-winning three-pointer at the buzzer to seal the dramatic victory.
 
ECU's 37 second-half points proved decisive, as the Tigers shot 45.8% from the floor overall, scored 34 points in the paint, and received 22 points from the bench.
 
The Tigers' offense was led by Brandon Mann and Kameron Newsome, each scoring 14 points. Mann added five rebounds and four assists, while Newsome went 5-for-6 from the floor and a perfect 3-for-3 from the free-throw line. Jaden Miller contributed 12 points and five assists, and Race Herr added six points with a team-high six rebounds, helping ECU turn a double-digit deficit into a memorable comeback win.