CHENEY, Wash. – A slow night of offense for the Eastern Washington University women's basketball team ended in a 61-47 loss to Montana State at home on Thursday evening (Feb. 7).
 
The Eagles shot just 29.1 percent from the field and 25 percent from three-point range in the loss. Violet Kapri Morrow moved up to 10^th on Eastern's all-time scoring list and turned in her second double-double of the season of 18 points and 10 rebounds to lead the team.
 
"It's hard to win basketball games when you shoot 15 percent in a half. I thought we took a lot of great shots, maybe some weren't as great, but overall I think we missed a lot of shots that we were capable of making," said head coach Wendy Schuller. "Montana State deserves a lot of credit, they did a great job defensively against us. At the end of the day, we have to make baskets."
 
Despite the offensive lull, the game was still evenly contested with 11 lead changes and eight ties.
 
Eastern Washington came out hot, shooting 44.4 percent in the first quarter and led 20-17 after closing the frame on an 11-1 run.
 
EWU drained four three-pointers in the second quarter as the two teams traded points. Grace Kirscher and Morrow made back-to-back three pointers to give the Eagles a 32-29 lead following the quick 6-0 spurt. Montana State responded with a 5-0 run to end the second quarter and the Eagles trailed by just two at the half, 34-32.
 
Kirscher opened up the second half with a three-pointer and Morrow sunk both free throw attempts to give the Eagles a 37-34 lead. A layup by Bella Cravens made it a 7-2 run for the Eagles with a 39-35 lead, but Eastern went cold from there.
 
Eastern Washington shot just 15.4 percent in the second half on 4-for-26 shooting and were just 1-for-15 from three-point range. The Bobcats struggling offensively as well, only making 8-of-27 shot attempts, but were able to sink 9-of-10 free throws en route to the 61-47 victory.
 
WIN-LOSS RECORDS: The loss drops Eastern Washington to 5-15 overall and 4-7 in Big Sky Conference play. Montana State improves to 12-10 and 7-5.
 
The two teams split the season series after the Eagles topped the Bobcats in overtime in Bozeman back on Jan. 21. Montana State now leads the all-time series 41-35 overall and 19-18 at Reese Court.
 
TOP PERFORMANCES: Violet Kapri Morrow led the team with 18 points and 10 rebounds for her second double-double of the season and the fourth of her career. She now extends her double-digit scoring streak to 21-straight games dating back to last season.
 
Grace Kirscher followed with nine points while adding three assists and two steals.
 
Bella Cravens added a career-high three blocks, she now has at least one swat in six-straight games. Brittany Klaman led the team with four assists and also had two steals.
 
KEY STATISTICS: Eastern Washington shot 29.1 percent on 16-for-55 shooting from the field. The Eagles knocked down seven three pointers on 28 attempts and were 8-for-10 from the free throw line.
 
Montana State made 40 percent of its shots (20-50) from the field. They made eight three-pointers on 21 attempts and were 13-for-15 from the line.
 
Both teams had 13 turnovers and five blocks a piece. Eastern had 12 assists and eight steals to MSU's 10 assists and five steals. The Bobcats out-rebounded the Eagles 40 to 31.
 
1,000-POINTS AND COUNTING: After becoming the newest and 18^th member of Eastern Washington's 1,000-point club at Montana on Jan. 10, 2019, Violet Kapri Morrow continues to climb EWU's all-time scoring list.
 
After scoring 18 points tonight against Montana State, Morrow moves into 10th all-time with 1,136 points. She is now just 15 points away from ninth place with 1,151 career points.
 
UP NEXT: Eastern Washington goes for the season sweep of Montana on Saturday, Feb. 9 at 2:05 p.m. inside Reese Court.
 
Join the Eagles for Alumni Appreciation Day, All EWU Alumni can purchase a $5.00 ticket through the alumni office for Saturday's contest. It's also $1 Day at Reese Court, as the concession stand will be offering hot dogs, ice cream sandwiches and canned pop for just $1.
 
Saturday also includes fun for all of the Lil' Eags with special appearances by fairytale characters (Princess Rapunzel, Prince Ryder, Superman and Heroic Captain) with photo opportunities along the Reese Court concourse. There will also be Eagle tattoos, a sign making station, a basketball hoop, games like corn hole and spin to win and a photo station. In addition to postgame autographs with the EWU women's basketball team, all kids in attendance will get to form a tunnel on the court for the Eagles to run through as they re-enter the court after halftime.