EUGUNE, Ore. – The No. 14 Women's Basketball team earned a hard-fought 64–54 victory over Bushnell University in its penultimate regular-season road contest of the year. Three Mounties reached double figures, highlighted by a strong outing from
Haylee Johnson and an 11th double-double of the season from
Kelsie Siegner.
The game was off to a slow start, with both teams struggling to find their offense. Eastern managed just two points in the first five-and-a-half minutes, while the Beacons were held scoreless during that same stretch. Offense finally picked up late in the first quarter as both sides began trading baskets in what quickly shaped up to be a tight contest. Bushnell carried a slim 11–10 advantage into the second quarter.
Eastern found its spark in the second period, outscoring Bushnell 20–15 to take a halftime lead. The Mountaineers generated quality looks inside and from beyond the arc while forcing turnovers that led to transition opportunities. The defensive pressure and improved efficiency allowed EOU to seize momentum heading into the break.
The third quarter remained tightly contested as both teams exchanged baskets and defensive stops. Bushnell responded with a push, trimming the deficit to just two points as both teams exchanged baskets and defensive stops. Steals and turnovers on both ends kept the tempo high, and the lead continued to shift as neither side allowed separation.
In the final frame, Eastern Oregon pulled away to put the game out of reach in the final minutes. Mounties shot an efficient 53.3 percent in the fourth quarter and forced key turnovers down the stretch to pull away in the closing minutes. Timely execution secured the 10-point victory despite Bushnell's persistence.
Overall it was a challenging shooting night for Eastern, finishing 38.6 percent from the field on 57 attempts. The Mounties went 7-of-30 from three-point range and converted 61.9 percent from the free-throw line.
Kali Kast led all scorers with 15 points, adding a block and a steal while knocking down two three-pointers and going 5-of-6 from the stripe.
Haylee Johnson contributed 13 points on an efficient 60 percent shooting, along with eight rebounds and a steal.
Kelsie Siegner recorded her 11th double-double of the season with 11 points and 10 rebounds, plus a steal.
Eastern Oregon will return to action tomorrow evening in Salem, Ore., for its final regular-season road matchup against Corban University. Tipoff is set for 3 p.m.
