Eastern Washington women's basketball faced off against the Big Sky leader, Idaho State today in Pocatello. The Eagles battled the Bengals tough, but fell in the game, 79-62.

"This was a great weekend overall for us starting with a road win on Thursday and then going toe-to-toe with the current league leader and defending champ, Idaho State," head coach Joddie Gleason said. "We started the game slow today, but did a nice job of answering and cut the lead to five at halftime. In the second half, we had the chance to take the lead a few times with good looks, but just could not make the shot."

Alexis Pettis led Eastern with 18 points on 7-of-17(41.1%) shooting, while Jacinta Buckley added 15 on 4-of-14(28.5%) shooting.

"Alexis Pettis provided a much needed spark off the bench when we were having a hard time scoring in the first half," Gleason added. "Jacinta Buckley had an absolute dominant weekend at both ends of the court for us. She defended the opposing team's best scorer, rebounds at both ends and scored 40 points for us all while being a consummate team player."

The first four points of the game went to Idaho St. before the Eagles first basket from Jaleesa Lawrence. Jaydia Martin hit a three following a Bengal basket to get Eastern within one. ISU would then go on an 8-0 run to give the Bengals a nine-point lead. The Eagles countered with a 6-0 run to cut into the deficit and trail 16-13. The Bengals would close out the quarter with five straight points to hold a 21-13 lead. Eastern shot 31.3 percent in the quarter, while ISU had a 47.4 percent mark.

The Bengals would extend the run to a 9-0 run with a pair of jumpers. Following another layup from Lawrence, ISU ripped off another 9-0 run to pull ahead by 19. It marked an 18-2 stretch for the Bengals. The Eagles would counter with a 7-0 run before ISU stopped the stretch. With the score 36-22 at the 4:28 minute mark, Eastern organized an 8-0 spurt to cut the lead to six. The Bengals managed to stop the bleeding with a three, but the Eagles closed out the quarter with two layups. Eastern was back in the game after an extended 19-5 stretch in the second quarter. Pettis scored six points for the Eagles to lead the team and they trailed 39-34 at half.

Milly Knowles opened up the third quarter with two layups to pull Eastern within one of the Bengals. A quick 6-0 run from ISU would give them separation from the Eagles. The game settled into a back-and-forth contest, with the teams trading baskets. Buckley came alive in the quarter, scoring nine points to keep Eastern in striking distance of the Bengals. At the end of three, ISU was in front, 57-50. The Eagles shot 31.6 percent in the quarter and ISU shot 42.1 percent.

Starting the fourth quarter, ISU opened with five points to push the lead to 62-50, prompting an Eastern timeout. A layup from Knowles put the Eagles on the board in the fourth, but Bengals fired back with next four points. Pettis continued to have the hot hand for Eastern, scoring eight points in the quarter to try and keep the score close. With the Eagles down 69-58 with 4:19 left in the game, ISU went on an 8-0 run to separate for good. The Bengals won the game 79-62.

In the game, Eastern shot 34.3 percent and were 11-of-14(78.6%) from the free-throw line. Idaho St. shot 44.4 percent for the game. The Eagles record now falls to 3-10 in conference and 5-17 overall. ISU improved to 16-8 overall and 12-3 in the Big Sky.

"Idaho State has a veteran, high-powered offense with players that have been in big games and who make winning plays in crunch time," Gleason said. "I'm happy with our effort today and we will improve because of this game." 

Top Performances
Jacinta Buckley posted her sixth double-double on Saturday with 15 points and a game-high 15 rebounds. Buckley was also 6-of-6 from the free-throw line.

Alexis Pettis set a career high with her 18 points today. Pettis added two steals and two rebounds off the bench.

Jaydia Martin scored 10 points on 4-of-13(30.7%) shooting and was 2-of-9(22.2%) from three-point range. Martin added five rebounds and a block in the game.

Milly Knowles was 4-of-7(57.1%) from the floor, scoring eight points and adding eight rebounds and a block.

Key Statistics
Eastern Washington had a slim, 45-44 rebound advantage over the Bengals. ISU won the battle in the paint, 42-30.

Led by Alexis Pettis, Eastern's bench outscored the Bengals', 23-20.

The Eagles had 16 offensive rebounds in the game and scored 15 second chance points. Nine of Jacinta Buckley's 15 rebounds were offensive.

Up Next
Eastern Washington will make a quick stop at home to host Montana on Monday, Feb. 14 at 6 p.m. Pacific Time. The game will be the team's Equality and Inclusion night and they will be wearing black to show solidarity.

Full concession services are back open at Reese Court for fans to enjoy. This includes the Eagle Club hospitality area. 
 
As a reminder, proof of COVID-19 vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test within the last 72 hours for fans ages 11 or older is required for entry to home games. Masks must be worn for fans ages five years old or older unless actively eating or drinking.