LA GRANDE, Ore. – Eastern Oregon University opened the 2026 calendar year in striking fashion, cruising to a 91-48 home victory over Warner Pacific on Saturday night inside Quinn Coliseum.
The Mountaineers wasted no time establishing control, jumping out to a 10-point lead within the first five minutes of play. Eastern dominated the opening quarter on both ends of the floor, building a commanding 20-2 advantage while shooting 47.6% from the field. Warner Pacific struggled to find offensive rhythm, scoring its only two points from the free-throw line. EOU capitalized on six of the Knights' seven turnovers in the quarter and asserted its presence in the paint, outscoring WPU 18-0 inside.
Warner Pacific showed signs of life in the second quarter, trading baskets with the Mountaineers in a more competitive stretch that ended 19-17 in Eastern's favor. EOU continued to attack down low, scoring 14 of its 19 points in the paint while shooting an efficient 52.9% from the floor. Despite the Knights' improved play, Eastern's dominant first quarter allowed the Mountaineers to take a comfortable 39-19 lead into halftime.
Eastern Oregon came out of the break strong, posting its most productive quarter offensively. The Mountaineers shot 61.1% from the field and knocked down 4-of-5 attempts from beyond the arc to outscore Warner Pacific 27-18 in the third. EOU's bench provided a major spark, contributing 19 points in the period, while the team continued to control the paint with 12 points inside. The Mountaineers also took advantage of WPU turnovers, pushing the lead to 66-37 heading into the final quarter..
The momentum carried into the fourth, where Eastern closed out the game in dominant fashion. The Mountaineers outscored the Knights 25-11 while shooting an outstanding 73.3% from the field, including 3-of-5 from three-point range. Once again, the bench played a key role, accounting for 21 points in the final frame.
Three Mountaineers finished in double figures, led by
Haylee Johnson's game-high 16 points on an outstanding 80% shooting. Johnson also added four rebounds and a steal.
Reigha Niemeyer followed with 15 points, shooting 85.7% from the field and 3-of-4 from beyond the arc, while adding an assist.
Raquel Fehringer chipped in 11 points and an assist.
Kelsie Siegner anchored the defensive effort, pulling down 12 defensive rebounds and one offensive board, while contributing seven points, an assist, and a steal.
Eastern Oregon's depth was a key factor in the victory, with the Mountaineer bench contributing an impressive 58 points. A dominant early lead paired with consistent shooting kept the Knights at bay throughout the game.
The Mountaineers return to action on Friday, January 9, when they travel to Klamath Falls to face Oregon Tech. Tip-off is scheduled for 5:30 p.m.
