ADA, Okla. —Hillcat women's basketball (0-3) fell to East Central (1-0), 52-40, in a game marked by turnovers and scoring droughts at Kerr Activities Center on Tuesday. 

RSU struggled offensively, shooting 27.3% from the field and committing 24 turnovers. Despite holding a brief lead in the second quarter, they were unable to overcome the Tigers' 17 second-chance points and a strong fourth quarter by the home team.

The first quarter began with a defensive stance from the Hillcats, marked by Jaiana Wiggins' block at 7:09 and Marcela Pinedo's steal at 5:01. Kate Melton sparked an offensive push with a successful 3-pointer at 5:42, assisted by Pinedo, narrowing the early gap. Destiny Jones added a jumper at 3:15, followed by Ataya Casaus' 3-pointer at 1:53, tying the game at eight. However, the Tigers edged ahead with a late jumper, concluding the quarter with a 10-8 lead.

RSU began the second quarter by capitalizing on early defensive stops, which included a key steal by Pinedo at the 2:17 mark. The team maintained pressure, leading to several free throw attempts, with Melton and Bailey Layman converting to keep the score close.

As the quarter progressed, the Cats briefly took the lead with a layup from Samantha Shanks, assisted by Casaus, establishing a 13–12 advantage. Defensive rebounds by Shanks and Pinedo helped halt the Tigers' scoring opportunities.

Despite a late surge by the Tigers, the Hillcats responded with a vital layup by Wiggins at 1:03 to narrow the gap. Jones scored a crucial jumper as the clock expired, closing the quarter with RSU trailing narrowly, 20–19.

RSU began the third quarter with a strong defensive display, highlighted by Wiggins' block at 8:16. Shanks facilitated the offense effectively, providing key assists, including a layup by herself at 6:16 and a 3-pointer by Melton at 3:17, which gave RSU a temporary lead. The quarter saw a tight exchange of baskets, with RSU maintaining pressure through defensive stops and timely shooting.

However, the Tigers responded with key plays, including a late 3-pointer by Ella Lavigne at the buzzer, which shifted the momentum back to the home team. Despite Casaus' 3-pointer with 15 seconds remaining, RSU closed the quarter trailing 35–31.

The Hillcats faced challenges in the final quarter as the Tigers capitalized on turnovers and free throws to extend their advantage. Despite efforts by Shanks, who contributed with free throws early in the quarter, and Jones, who added a layup, the team struggled with turnovers, totaling eight in the quarter.

The Tigers maintained momentum with points in the paint and from the free-throw line, increasing their lead steadily. RSU managed to score nine points in the quarter, closing the game with a deficit. The score at the end of the fourth quarter was Tigers 52, Hillcats 40.

Casaus led the team with 12 points, converting 3 of 6 field goals and all four free throws. Shanks contributed significantly on the boards, finishing with nine rebounds and scoring eight points. Pinedo showcased her defensive skills by recording three steals. Wiggins made her presence known defensively with three blocks and added four points.

Lavigne led the Tigers with 15 points, making 6 of 12 field goal attempts, including two 3-pointers. Katie Edelen dominated the boards, securing 11 rebounds and contributing six points alongside four assists. Peyton Mosley was effective defensively, recording four steals and adding eight points with five rebounds. Eva Fernandez added depth with five points, two steals, and four rebounds.