KIRKLAND, Wash. – The Eastern Oregon University Women's Basketball team collected their eleventh straight victory as they defeated Northwest University 83-71 Friday night.
The game began as a tightly contested battle, with both teams trading baskets throughout the first quarter. The score was deadlocked at 17–17, as Eastern established an early inside presence, doubling Northwest's points in the paint, 12–6. The Mounties also held a slight shooting edge, outpacing the Eagles from the field by 5.4%. Northwest capitalized at the free-throw line, converting five of six attempts off Mountie fouls to keep pace early.
Eastern took full control of the game in a decisive second quarter, erupting for a 30–6 scoring run that shifted momentum entirely. Shooting proved to be the difference, as the Mounties connected on an impressive 82.4% from the field while Northwest struggled, shooting just 7.7%. Both teams went cold from beyond the arc, combining to go 0-for-8, but Eastern more than compensated with relentless interior play. The Mounties dominated the paint 28–2 in the quarter and received a strong boost from their bench, which contributed 11 points. Defensive pressure fueled the run, forcing seven Northwest turnovers that Eastern converted into 17 points, while also collecting four steals. By halftime, EOU had built a commanding 47–23 lead.
The third quarter was much more balanced, with Eastern narrowly outscoring Northwest 21–19. The Eagles found more offensive rhythm, shooting 46.7% from the field, while the Mounties struggled to regain their shooting touch, hitting 37.5% overall and just 15.4% from three-point range. Despite the shooting woes, Eastern maintained control by dominating the glass, outrebounding Northwest 16–4 in the period to preserve a 68–42 advantage heading into the final quarter.
Northwest made one final surge in the fourth quarter, outscoring Eastern 29–15 behind efficient shooting. The Eagles connected on 71.4% from the field and hit 3-of-4 attempts from beyond the arc. The quarter turned physical, with both teams attacking the rim and drawing fouls. Eastern went 4-for-6 at the free-throw line, while Northwest was perfect on 4-of-4 attempts.
Despite NU's strong finish, the damage done in EOU's explosive second quarter proved too much for the Eagles to overcome. The Mounties finished the night shooting 49.3% from the field and totaled a stifling 58 points in the paint. Eastern also converted 21 points off Northwest turnovers, nearly doubling the Eagles in both categories.
Kelsie Siegner led all players with 16 points, nine rebounds, and three steals while shooting 50% from the field.
Maggie Smith followed with 14 points, six rebounds, and two assists, shooting an efficient 53.8%.
The Mounties will look to extend their winning streak as they travel south to face The Evergreen State College on Saturday night in Olympia, Washington. Tipoff is scheduled for 3:00 p.m.
