SALEM, Ore. – The Eastern Oregon University women's basketball team made a major statement to open the 2025-2026 season, storming back in the second half to take down No. 18 Arizona Christian University, 66-57, on Friday night at the Corban Hampton Inn Classic. After trailing 35-26 at halftime, the Mountaineers executed key adjustments to power past the Firestorm to secure the victory.
Arizona Christian came out strong in the opening period, taking control early and dominating the Mounties 18-7, shooting 50% from the field to outpace Eastern's 18.8%. The Mountaineers found their rhythm in the second quarter, outscoring ACU 19-17 and improving their shooting to 47%, narrowing the Firestorm's lead to 35-26 by halftime.
After the break, Eastern's defense clamped down, setting the stage for their offense to surge.
Reigha Niemeyer led the charge with 15 points, while
Kaiea Waiwaiole and
Kelsie Siegner contributed 11 and 10 points, respectively. Siegner, who had an all-around performance, recorded a double-double that included a game-high 12 rebounds and 3 blocks, as well as two steals.
Eastern's dominance in the paint proved crucial, as the Mounties scored 22 points in the lane and capitalized on free-throw opportunities, sinking 15 of 23 attempts. Additionally, EOU's defense was stifling, forcing 19 turnovers and scoring 18 points off those miscues. Despite ACU's strong first-half effort, they had no answer for Eastern's relentless intensity in the second half.
The Mountaineers will look to keep the momentum going as they return to the C.E. Jeffers Sports Complex tomorrow night, November 1st, to face Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. Tip-off is scheduled for 5:00 PM. ERAU enters the game at 0-2 after losses to the University of Puget Sound and Corban University earlier this week.
