MBB GAME NOTES: VERSUS EAST CENTRAL - JANUARY 30, 2025

ARKADELPHIA, Ark. – Henderson State looks to extend its win streak against East Central to three games. HSU will host the Tigers on Thursday, January 30, at 7:30 p.m.
 
The Reddies will try to bounce back from a loss versus the Muleriders last Saturday. Henderson defeated ECU on the road in the second game of conference play by a score of 67-58. The Reddies were without Chase Farmer, but the Tigers had no answer for Nehikhare Igiehon. Igiehon scored with ease, tallying 19 points on seven-of-ten shooting while also adding eight free throw attempts. Igiehon helped foul out the Tigers leading scorer, Bishop Jones, while also holding Jones to just 12 points.
 
In the previous meeting, the Reddies' energy and physicality made it tough for the Tigers. ECU's leading scorer, Jones, fouled out, and the team's second-best scorer had four himself. Hustle led to a plus-10 rebounding margin and 45.6 percent shooting from the field for the Reddies. They held East Central to just 38.5 percent shooting: their worst shooting performance during conference play.

The Reddies currently have eight players averaging five or more points per game during conference play, with Igiehon leading the team with 15.2 points per game while shooting 51.9 percent from the field and leading the team with 6.8 rebounds per game. Igiehon is currently second in the conference in offensive rebounds per game (2.7).
 
During this season's home conference games, the Reddies are averaging 82.2 points per game while holding opponents to just 77.8 points per game. The Reddies' biggest win at home during conference play came against Northwestern (96-70).
 
Entering the Duke Wells Center for the first time this season, the East Central Tigers are 7-11 overall and 4-8 in conference. The Tigers have played four straight home games, splitting their homestand with wins versus Harding and Arkansas Tech. The Tigers dropped their last two games versus Southeastern and Northwestern by a combined nine points.
 
Last week, Nikk Williams was named GAC Offensive Play of the Week despite the Tigers' 0-2 record. Williams averaged 25.5 points per game and eight rebounds per game and nearly posted a triple-double versus Southeastern. Williams is averaging 13.5 points per game during conference play - tied with teammate Mark Rucha for second on the team.
 
East Central is led by redshirt freshman Bishop Jones, who is averaging 18.3 points per game during conference play. Jones has not played in a game since the Tigers' win over Southern Arkansas on January 11. He is shooting 67.5 percent from the field and has connected on four of his seven three-point attempts during conference play. In ECU's last matchup with HSU, the Reddies held Jones to just 12 points and fouled him out in just 25 minutes.
 
During conference play, the Tigers lead the conference in team field goal percentage (47.9). East Central ranks eighth in the league in rebound margin, being outrebounded by two boards per game.
 
Head coach Daniel Wheeler is entering his third season at the helm of ECU's program. Wheeler has a career record of 38-35 and has lost his last two meetings versus the Reddies.
 
Players to Watch:
Jameel Wesley II has seen an increased role in recent weeks. Wesley II had his season high in scoring versus Southern Arkansas, scoring 13 points on six-of-nine shooting and nearly carrying the Reddies to a comeback win versus the Muleriders.
 
Nehikhare Igiegon was dominant in the last meeting between these two teams. Igiehon scored 19 points on seven-of-10 shooting while isolating Tigers' defenders from the high post and low block.