MAGNOLIA, Ark. – The East Central University women's basketball team came alive in the second half to secure a thrilling 60-57 road victory over Southern Arkansas University on Thursday, completing the series sweep over the Muleriders.
 
With the win, the Tigers earn their third straight victory, improving to 10-8 overall and 6-8 in Great American Conference play, while the Muleriders drop to 10-10 overall and 6-8 in league action. ECU returns to the court on Saturday, Feb. 7, at Arkansas-Monticello at 1 p.m.
 
ECU struggled out of the gate, scoring just 11 points in the first quarter while Southern Arkansas posted 19, their highest-scoring frame of the night. The Tigers responded in the second quarter, opening with a 7-0 run to trim the deficit to 19-18, forcing nearly seven minutes of scoreless basketball from the Muleriders. A jumper by Eva Fernandez tied the game at 20-20, but SAU closed the quarter on an 8-0 run to take a 28-20 lead into halftime.
 
The Muleriders extended their advantage to as many as 12 points early in the third quarter, but ECU answered with a surge. A layup by Claira Dannefer sparked a 13-2 scoring run, capped by a three-pointer from Jayden Weiberg to cut the deficit to 39-38. Dannefer scored again to tie it at 40-40, though SAU managed a 4-0 run to take a 44-40 lead into the fourth.
 
In the final frame, SAU opened with a jumper to go up 46-40, but that would be their last lead. A layup by Katie Edelen ignited a 9-0 run that put ECU ahead for good, and free throws from Makenzy Herman extended the lead to seven. The Muleriders tried to rally late, but the Tigers held on for a 60-57 victory.
 
Despite trailing SAU in points in the paint, 38-20, ECU excelled in key areas, outshooting the Muleriders 43.1%-41.4% from the field, hitting 40% of their three-pointers (6-of-15) compared to 14.3% for SAU, and outscoring the bench 23-8.
 
ECU was led by Katie Edelen, who recorded a double-double with 16 points and 10 rebounds while adding six assists. Rylie Burnett added 14 points and five rebounds, Claira Dannefer contributed 12 points and five boards, and Jayden Weiberg chipped in 11 points, including three three-pointers.