SHAWNEE – The Bison faithful showed up tonight as 3,561 packed into Crain Family Stadium for Saturday's homecoming matchup between Oklahoma Baptist (1-6, 1-6 GAC) and East Central (5-2, 5-2 GAC).
Unfortunately, the Tigers spoiled the evening's festivities with a 34-20 victory over the Bison.
East Central got on top quick, building a 24-0 advantage midway through the first half. Oklahoma Baptist mustered 13 points to draw within 11 of the opposition, but it was to no avail as the Tigers tacked on another 10 to cement the win.
ECU forced three turnovers today, coming into the contest as the nation's leader in turnover margin. The Bison were held to 315 yards of total offense, while the Tigers cranked out 466.
Despite its woes, Oklahoma Baptist fared well in the passing game, completing 26 passes for 247 yards and two touchdowns. However, the ground game saw just 68 yards as ECU charted 212.
As mentioned, ECU got hot fast. East Central ate up over five minutes on its first drive, driving 75 yards in nine plays to post the game's first points.
In the second, quarterback Kenny Hrncir found wideout JayQuan Lincoln for a 15-yard score to go up 14-0. The Tigers reached paydirt for the third time at the 3:44 mark, following an OBU miscue, courtesy of a one-yard touchdown rush from Nemier Herod.
With 38 seconds remaining in the first half, a two-yard connection from Dayton Wolfe and Michael Marshall gave Oklahoma Baptist its first points. The home team built on the momentum following the break, scoring on its first drive to mark the tally 24-13.
An encroachment call on a Bison field-goal attempt put OBU on the two-yard line. Afterward, quick work was made as Buddy Bizzell punched the ball in from two yards out to complete a 60-yard drive.
Oklahoma Baptist charted its final points in the fourth as Wolfe found Keilahn Harris, who made a fantastic catch in traffic, to cut into the ECU lead 34-20.
East Central ate the clock up to walk away with the victory in the remaining moments.
Wolfe went for 247 yards on 26-40 passing, pitching two touchdowns with a couple of interceptions. Nate Anderson led the rushing attack with 27 yards, while Buddy Bizzell netted 22 yards and a touchdown.
Harris finished with 95 yards on nine catches to go along with a touchdown. Marshall brought in his third career touchdown, catching five balls for 40 yards. Additionally, Braden Phipps reeled in seven receptions for 69 yards.
Defensively, KJ Price Jr. tallied 13 tackles, including seven unassisted. Elijah Tomlin and Brandon Spencer recorded 11 tackles, while Tomlin earned a sack and a tackle-for-loss.
Oklahoma Baptist will hit the road to Durant next Saturday, October 22, to take on the Savage Storm of Southeastern Oklahoma State (4-3, 4-3 GAC). Kickoff is set for 2 p.m.
