ARKADELPHIA, Ark. – Ouachita Baptist battled to the buzzer, but were unable to overcome East Central's efficient three-point shooting in a 78-71 loss.

East Central began the fourth quarter on a 12-2 run that proved to be the difference. Ouachita clawed back in it, but each time they tried to gain momentum ECU would answer with a momentum killer. East Central wrapped it up handing Ouachita their sixth straight loss.

Eden Crow led Ouachita with 22 points and 12 boards. Maija Gertsone contributed 17 and never left the floor. Madison Rainey tallied another double-double with 12 points and 11 rebounds.

Madison Rehl led ECU with 20. Sam Schwab had 19 of her own.

East Central came out of the gates with an aggressive offensive approach knocking down six of their first eight shots from the field. Ouachita, however, closed out the first quarter on a 7-0 run capped by a Gertsone three to go into the second quarter with a one point lead.

Eden Crow carried Ouachita in the first half, exploding for 14 points off the bench. Despite Ouachita outrebounding ECU by 12 in the first half, ECU went into the half with a 34-30 lead.

The urgency picked up for both teams late in the third. Gertstone gave Ouachita their first lead of the second half on a right wing three-pointer. ECU quickly regained the lead, however, and took a 51-50 lead into the final frame.

East Central answered Ouachita basket for basket throughout the second half and handed OBU another conference loss.

Ouachita dropped to 4-14, 1-10 in conference play, while East Central University improved to 4-14, 2-10 in conference.

The Lady Tigers return to action Thursday, Jan. 30 on the road against Oklahoma Baptist University. The game will be at 5:30 p.m. For all things Lady Tiger Basketball, stay tuned to obutigers.com.