LEWISTON, Idaho – Eastern Oregon (RV) Women's Basketball put together a dominant second-quarter performance to pull away from Arizona Christian University, earning a 66-46 victory Friday afternoon at the Guardian Plumbing, Heating & AC Classic in Lewiston, Idaho.
The Mountaineers turned a tight opening quarter into a commanding halftime advantage, outscoring the Firestorm 31-15 in the second period to take a 42-25 lead into the break. Eastern Oregon continued to build on that momentum in the third quarter, extending their advantage to as many as 29 points before closing out the 20-point victory.
Arizona Christian briefly held an 8-6 lead late in the opening period, Kast answered with a three-pointer to put the Mountaineers back in front. EOU carried an 11-10 advantage into the second quarter and never looked back.
The Mountaineers caught fire from beyond the arc in the second, connecting on seven three-pointers in the period. Niemeyer hit back-to-back threes during the run, while Kast and
Katelyn Hamilton also connected from deep. Eastern Oregon outscored Arizona Christian 31-15 in the quarter to create a 17-point halftime cushion.
EOU kept their foot on the gas in the third, outscoring the Firestorm 18-11 to stretch the lead to 60-36 heading into the final period. The Mountaineers' advantage reached 29 points midway through the quarter. Eastern Oregon closed out the fourth quarter and secured the 66-46 victory, earning an important win against the Firestorm at the neutral-site tournament.
Kali Kast led the way with a game-high 22 points, knocking down four three-pointers while adding seven rebounds and two steals.
Reigha Niemeyer provided another big offensive contribution, finishing with 13 points on 5-of-8 shooting, including three triples.
Addy Laible contributed eight points off the bench, while
Avery Peterson added six points and five rebounds.
Mya Alvarado chipped in four points and six rebounds, and
Haylee Johnson grabbed seven rebounds to help Eastern Oregon control the glass.
The Mountaineers finished with a strong shooting performance from three-point range, connecting on 10-of-22 attempts. Eastern Oregon also held a 55-41 advantage in total rebounds and received 21 points from the bench.
The Mountaineers will return to action Saturday, November 14, when they face The Master's University at 1:30 p.m. in Lewiston, Idaho.
