LA GRANDE, Ore. – Fueled by an electric home crowd, No. 17 Eastern Oregon Women's Basketball responded in a big way Friday night, edging No. 20 Corban University 66–63 in a thrilling, down-to-the-wire battle at Quinn Coliseum.
The game was intense from the opening tip. Both teams played with relentless intensity, trading baskets throughout the night as neither side was able to build a double-digit lead. The teams stayed nearly even in every quarter, with Eastern holding slim advantages in the first two before Corban answered in the third. The fourth quarter ended deadlocked at 14–14, setting the stage for a dramatic finish.
Eastern Oregon controlled much of the game, briefly surrendering the lead only in short stretches. The Mounties shot an efficient 45.1% from the field, while Corban struggled to find consistency at 36.4%. Although the Warriors made twice as many three-pointers, Eastern made its presence felt at the free-throw line, converting 16 of 24 attempts. Corban finished 7-for-14 from the stripe.
Physical play defined the contest, and Eastern's depth proved decisive. The Mounties' bench poured in 28 points, dominating Corban's three bench points. While Corban capitalized on 10 of Eastern's 14 turnovers, Eastern's balance and interior presence kept them in control.
The game came down to the final seconds. With Corban looking to tie it on a last-second three,
Kelsie Siegner delivered the defining moment—rising up to block the shot and seal the three-point victory.
Siegner led the way with her eighth double-double of the season, the most she has recorded in a single year. She finished with 12 points, 11 rebounds, and four blocks, while shooting 57.1% from the field, including a perfect night at the free-throw line.
Maggie Smith matched Siegner with 12 points while shooting 50% and adding a block, and
Haylee Johnson provided a spark off the bench with 11 points on an impressive 71.4% shooting.
For Corban, Tayla Yost recorded a double-double with 12 points and 11 rebounds, while Jersey Huerta led all scorers with 23 points on 47.6% shooting.
With the win, Eastern Oregon improves to 16–1 overall and 8–1 in conference play, maintaining the top spot in the CCC standings. Corban falls to 13–4 overall and 6–3 in conference action.
The Mounties return to Quinn Coliseum tomorrow, January 17, to host Bushnell University at 3:00 p.m.
