KLAMATH FALLS, Ore. – Eastern Oregon Women's Basketball improved to 15-0 Friday night, grinding out a 68–64 road victory over No. 20 Oregon Tech in a back-and-forth battle, featuring a comeback rally, steady interior play, and late-game execution. Four Mountaineers scored in double figures, while
Kelsie Siegner notched her sixth double-double of the season, anchoring EOU on both ends of the floor.
Oregon Tech jumped out quickly, as Eastern trailed for the first nine points before Sienger broke the run with a three-pointer to tie the game at 9-9. The Owls continued to control the opening quarter, shooting 50% from the field and building a 27–19 advantage in the first quarter.
Eastern Oregon slowly found their footing in the second quarter. The Mounties erased an 11-point deficit, eventually tying the game at 32–32 behind improved shooting and relentless rebounding. EOU dominated the paint in the period, outscoring OIT 14–4, while holding the Owls to just 26.7% shooting.
Kaiea Waiwaiole led with a 10 point first-half, and Siegner controlled the glass with 11 rebounds before the break. Eastern closed the half on a 20–10 run to take a 39–37 lead into halftime..
The third quarter saw momentum swing from possession to possession as the two teams traded baskets and the lead repeatedly. Despite OIT shooting at a higher percentage, neither side was able to pull away, both scoring 16 points. With just seconds left in the quarter, Haley Johnson grabbed an offensive rebound off a missed long three, making a buzzer beating shot to give Eastern a slim 55-53 advantage heading into the final quarter.
The intensity continued into the final 10 minutes, where fouls proved pivotal. Oregon Tech sent Eastern Oregon to the line repeatedly, and the Mounties capitalized on 6 of 10 free throw opportunites. A clutch three followed by a late free throw by
Kali Kast pushed Eastern to its largest lead of the game, 68-64 with just 20 seconds remaining. On the final defensive stand,
Maggie Smith came up with a key block, and Siegner secured the rebound to seal the win.
Eastern Oregon finished the night shooting 43.9% from the field, converting 14 second-chance points off dominant offensive rebounding while scoring 32 points in the paint. Siegner led the Mountaineers with 15 points, 15 rebounds, two blocks, and a steal, while Waiwaiole added 13 points and seven rebounds. Kast and Johnson also reached double scoring figures.
The Mountaineers return to action Saturday, January 10, as they travel to Ashland, Oregon, to face (RV) Southern Oregon, with tip-off scheduled for 3 p.m. PT.
