LA GRANDE, Ore. – The Eastern Oregon University Women's Basketball team advanced to the CCC Tournament Semifinals after defeating Concordia (Ore.) University, 70-63, on Tuesday evening in Quinn Coliseum.
 
Madeline Laan led the way for the Mountaineers (25-5) with 18 points, on 8-for-12 shooting. Kassy Larson followed scoring 16 points, as EOU extended their winning streak to 11 games. Maloree Moss rounded out the double-figure scorers adding 11 points.
 
Sierra Dean scored a game-high 24 points to lead the Cavaliers (12-16) on the evening. Briannah Smith followed with 18 points.
 
Over the first four minutes of the contest, Concordia and Eastern Oregon traded buckets and found themselves tied at 9-9, with 16 minutes to go. Over the next three minutes, EOU started to slowly extend their lead. Eastern Oregon took a 17-13 lead after a Larissa Quintana jumper.
 
Later in the first half, Concordia battled back tying the game at 21-21, but the Mountaineers and an answer. EOU picked up their defense and held the Cavaliers scoreless over the next three minutes of the contest and scored 10 straight points, taking a 31-21 lead.
 
EOU continued to add to their lead and grew the lead to as many as 15 points in the half. Once the game reached halftime, EOU took a 45-31 lead into the break.
 
In the second half, the Mountaineers grew the lead to as many as 16 points early on in the half. After taking the double-figure lead, the Mountaineers continued to hold onto a double-digit lead and with 14:31 left in the game EOU led, 57-42.
 
The Mountaineers looked as if they had the game under control but EOU's offense went cold. With 10:19 left in the game, EOU led 63-49, however, Eastern Oregon only scored seven more points the rest of the contest.
 
Concordia continued to chip away at the lead and got as close as, 68-63, but could not get any closer and EOU clinched the game with a pair of free throws by Moss to put the Mountaineers ahead, 70-63, which was the final.
 
The Mountaineers return to action on Friday, Feb. 27 when they host Northwest Christian in the CCC Semifinals at 7 p.m. PT.