ASHLAND, Ore. – Despite opening the day as one of just three remaining undefeated teams in the NAIA, the (RV) Eastern Oregon University Women's Basketball team suffered its first loss of the season Saturday night, falling 67-43 on the road to (RV) Southern Oregon.
Eastern Oregon showed early aggression, holding the lead through the game's first five points, but offensive struggles quickly set in during the opening quarter. The Mountaineers shot just 3-of-14 from the field and went 1-of-6 at the free-throw line, managing only seven points in the period. While EOU attacked the paint for six early points, Southern Oregon pulled away midway through the quarter to take a 14-7 advantage.
The Mountaineers found more rhythm offensively in the second quarter, shooting 45.5% from the field and knocking down a pair of three-pointers. Just five minutes into the quarter Southern Oregon built its largest lead, putting up a 14 point advantage. EOU chipped away, behind strong play from
Kelsie Siegner, closing the gap to 32-23 before halftime. By halftime, Siegner had hit double figure scoring and put up two steals and a block.
Southern Oregon took control coming out of the break, using turnovers and trips to the free-throw line to fuel a decisive third quarter. Eastern Oregon struggled to find consistency, shooting just 26.7% and committing six turnovers, five of which turned into points for the Raiders. Southern Oregon capitalized on eight free-throw attempts and extended its lead to 22 points.
The fourth quarter followed a similar script, as Southern Oregon continued to dominate inside and pressure the Mountaineers into mistakes. EOU committed six more turnovers in the final frame, which Southern Oregon converted four into points. The Raiders outscored Eastern Oregon 10-4 in the paint during the quarter and pushed the lead to as many as 24 before closing out the 67-43 victory.
The game was marked by missed opportunities and frequent changes in possession. Physical play was evident throughout, as reflected in the foul totals, with Eastern Oregon committing 18 personal fouls and Southern Oregon 24. Eastern Oregon shot 29.4% from the field, hitting just 4-of-21 from beyond the arc and 9-of-21 at the free-throw line. The Mountaineers also committed 19 turnovers, which Southern Oregon converted into 16 points. Southern's ability to capitalize on Eastern's mistakes ultimately created the separation that proved to be too much for the Mounties to overcome.
Siegner led Eastern Oregon with another strong all-around performance, finishing with 15 points, 11 rebounds, four blocks, and three steals, while
Maggie Smith added 13 points and a steal in the loss.
Despite the loss, the Mountaineers remain #1 in the conference. Eastern Oregon will return to action Friday, January 16 to host Corban University, with tip-off set for 5:30 p.m. PT in Quinn Coliseum.
