SALEM, Ore. – On day one of the Cascade Collegiate Conference Tournament, second-seeded and No. 14-ranked Eastern Oregon University powered past No. 7 seed Warner Pacific University, 76-50, in the quarterfinal round hosted at Corban University.
The Mounties got off to a slow start, falling behind 3-0 before
Avery Peterson and
Kali Kast knocked down back-to-back three-pointers to ignite the offense. Warner Pacific answered from deep to even the score, but Eastern responded with a decisive 9-0 run to seize momentum. The Knights battled back late in the quarter, trimming the deficit to three by the end of the frame as both teams settled into the tournament atmosphere.
The second quarter remained competitive, with both squads matching each other inside the arc — each converting six two-point field goals. Eastern's lone three-pointer in the period proved pivotal in widening the gap. Behind steady execution, the Mountaineers carried a 37-26 advantage into halftime, controlling tempo while limiting second-chance opportunities.
After the break, the Mounties came back with a spark to separate the game. A combination of efficient post play and timely perimeter shooting sparked a dominant stretch in which the Mountaineers shot an impressive 71.4% from the field in the quarter. Defensively, EOU tightened its grip, holding Warner Pacific to 40% shooting, 0-for-from three, and forcing four turnovers that turned into six points on the other end. The surge created clear separation and shifted full momentum to Eastern heading into the final period.
The Mountaineers left no doubt in the final 10 minutes, outscoring the Knights 21-10 to put the game out of reach. Eastern shot 57.1% in the quarter, added three more from beyond the arc, and continued to limit quality looks for Warner Pacific, who finished just 4-of-14 from the field in the period.
EOU's depth also proved decisive, as the Mountaineer bench contributed 15 points while holding the Knights' reserves to just two. The consistent attack and steady defense secured the 76-50 victory to extend Eastern's stay in Salem.
The Mountaineers were led by
Maggie Smith with 15 points on an impressive 85.7% shooting, including three from beyond the arc. She also collected two blocks and a steal.
Kali Kast recorded a double-double of 11 points and 11 rebounds. The Knights was paced by Skylar Groesbeck with 15 points and Riley Layton with 13 points.
Eastern advances to the semifinal round and will return to C.E. Jeffers Sports Center tomorrow to face third-seeded and No. 17-ranked Lewis-Clark State College at 7:00 p.m. The winner will move on to the CCC Championship game.
