Fans at Reese Court are getting used to the performances put on by Eastern Washington women's basketball, as they downed Northern Colorado, 62-56. The Eagles used a career-game from Jaydia Martin to earn the season split with the Bears and improve to 6-11 in the Big Sky and 8-18 overall this season.

"We did a good job holding a great shooting team to nine points in the fourth. I felt like our team was really locked into what we needed to do and execute at that end," head coach Joddie Gleason said. "There was just so much growth from the beginning of the year. Executing down the stretch, running the play we want, looking at all the options, and making free-throws."

Martin poured in 25 points on 8-of-16(50%) shooting to earn a new career-high in scoring.

"I definitely think it was the team's overall ball movement that got me open a lot," Martin said. "I didn't have to force any shots; they were all pretty open. I definitely thought them running a zone gave me some open holes to score."

"Jaydia is being pretty modest here because she has put in the work," Gleason said of Martin. "She really listened to what the coaches have told her and really learned what we want out of different sets. She is taking better shots and not forcing as much. It's also because she comes in and watches film and does those little things to get better."

Milly Knowles was key in the paint for Eastern, grabbing 13 rebounds, eight offensive, for a new career high.

"[Milly] is a workhorse and got eight offensive rebounds for us and made extra possessions for us. Whether she scored or found a teammate; we were able to get extra chances. It's hard to get those [offensive] boards and it's a lot of heart. Milly wants that and do well for her team."

UNC had the advantage early in the first, opening with a 7-2 lead on the Eagles. At the media timeout, Eastern trailed 6-10, getting baskets from Martin, Milly Knowles and Jacinta Buckley. Following a layup from Andie Zylak, Jordyn Boesel gave the Eagles its first lead of the game at 11-10 with a minute left. A pair of free-throws gave the Bears the lead back, but Eastern notched one of their own to tie the game at 12. The teams ended the first quarter tied at 12. Eastern had a strong quarter, shooting, 5-of-11(45%), while UNC was 4-of-14(33%) from the floor.

The Eagles started hot in the second quarter, as Martin knocked down two, three-point shots as part of a 9-0 run. The Bears raced ahead with a 12-0 run over a 4:33-minute stretch to wipe away the lead Eastern had built. Buckley finally ended the run with a layup, followed by Martin running the court for a layup to give the Eagles the lead. A 6-0 spurt from UNC earned them a five-point lead. Boesel drilled another three to cut into the lead and Eastern trailed 28-30 at halftime. In the quarter, the Eagles shot 33.3 percent against a staggering 60-percent mark from the Bears.  

UNC scored the first five points of the half to give them with separation from Eastern. Martin converted two free-throws for the Eagles' first points of the quarter. Alexis Pettis would then get into the scoring with an easy bucket in the paint and cut the lead to a possession. The Bears ripped off another quick five points to extend their advantage. Martin continued to score for Eastern, cutting the UNC lead to 42-39 with a deep three-pointer at the 3:02 mark. The teams would exchange free-throws, but Martin would get in the paint again for another easy layup to cut the lead to one. Eastern continued to get to the free-throw line and went up by on a Knowles made attempt. The Bears connected from three to retake the lead. The Eagles would convert one free-throw and head to the fourth down 46-47. Eastern again shot 33.3 from the floor, while UNC cooled off with a 42.9 shooting percentage.

Opening the fourth, Knowles tied the score at 47 with a free-throw. UNC pushed its advantage to 51-47 on pair of layups from Kurstyn Harden. Martin delivered a key basket off a Bear turnover to get the game to a one possession contest. Pettis would tie the game at 51 on straight drive to the hoop and through a pair of defenders. A pull-up jumper from Pettis would hand the Eagles the lead with 3:36 left in the game. After a UNC score, Buckley would extend the Eastern lead to 55-52. Another Bear layup would cut the Eagles down to one. Unfazed, Pettis dribbled into the paint for another layup and Eastern was up 57-54 with 38 seconds left in the game. Martin and Pettis knocked down two free-throws apiece to extend the Eagles advantage. The Eagles went on to win 62-56.

Eastern Washington finished the night shooting 36 percent and Northern Colorado recorded 37 percent shooting.

"[The last few games] are bittersweet because our seniors are leaving, but it's been a long season and it's nice to get these last games at home before the season is over," Martin added. "I think it's cool to see our progress from this season and our last few games are here."

Top Performances
Jaydia Martin recorded her fifth, 20-point game of the season, surpassing her previous career-high by two points. Martin was 3-of-7(42.8%) from three-point range, and she added three steals in the game. The true freshman was 6-of-8(75%) from the free-throw line.

Milly Knowles scored seven points to go along with her career-best, 13 rebounds.

Alexis Pettis scored 14 points on 4-of-9(44.4%) shooting and was 6-of-8(75%) from the free-throw line. Pettis now has scored in double figures in five-straight games.

Jacinta Buckley scored eight points and pulled down six rebounds, adding four assists.

Key Statistics
Eastern Washington posted a season-low in turnovers, committing only seven. The Eagles forced 16 against Northern Colorado and had a 22-11 advantage in points off turnovers.

Despite being out-rebounded, 40-34, to UNC, the Eagles outscored the Bears in the paint, 24-20.

Eastern's bench was integral in the team's win, outscoring the Bears', 20 to 5. Pettis was the major contributor off the bench.

The Eagles did not allow UNC to score a fast break point, while scoring 12 in the game.

Up Next
Eastern Washington closes out its regular season home schedule on Saturday against Sacramento State, with tip-off at 1 p.m. Pacific Time. The game will be senior day for Tatiana Reese, Bria Rice, Britt Van Buren, Jordyn Boesel and Megan Fossen.