POCATELLO, Idaho — As the calendar gets closer to March, the theme is survive and advance as Eastern Washington women's basketball earned a 59-56 win over Idaho State tonight. Eastern trailed after the third quarter, but outscored the Bengals by six in the fourth to get the road win. EWU improves to 10-2 in the Big Sky and 20-5 overall.
The Eagles dynamic duo of Jamie Loera and Aaliyah Alexander each scored 15 points to lead the team. Loera and Alexander combined for 15 points in the fourth quarter.
"It's always a tough defensive battle against Idaho State and tonight proved to be no different," head coach Joddie Gleason said. "They've only lost two games at home this season, prior to tonight. I'm so proud of the way our team executed down the stretch to take the fourth quarter and the win. This team continues to battle every day and it's a privilege to coach them. We will enjoy this tonight and turn our attention to Weber State tomorrow, Go Eags!"
Eastern had its shooting going early in the game, building out a 9-2 lead. Alexander had five points, with Milly Knowles and Loera each hitting a jump shot. The Bengals stormed back with a 13-0 run and were up 15-9 with 1:44 left in the quarter. The teams traded jumpers down the stretch and Eastern trailed 18-11 after one, shooting 33.3 percent overall.
The response from the Eagles came swiftly in the second quarter, ripping off a 12-0 run over a four-minute stretch. Knowles worked inside with four points that supported the run, adding jumpers from Loera and Ellie Boni. EWU led 23-20 at the 4:47 point. The Bengals countered with a 5-0 burst to retake the lead. The teams then tied at 25 on a Bella Hays layup and 2:16 left in the half. Idaho St. got to the line at the end of the half and took a 29-27 lead over the Eagles. Eastern improved its shooting to 40.0 percent from the floor.
In the third quarter, the game remained competitive with EWU staying close to the Bengals. The score was tied at 33 at the 4:31 mark, following two free throws from Loera. After tying again at 35, The Bengals went ahead with a quick 5-0 run to get some separation with 2:15 on the clock. Jaydia Martin would hit a late three and cut the Idaho St. lead down, but Eastern trailed 42-39 at the break.
EWU finally broke through the Bengal lead in the fourth quarter at 46-45, as Boni hit a three with 7:13 on the clock. Idaho St. went back in front with a layup, but Alexander hit a jumper and Loera drove in for a layup. The two guards continued to carry the scoring down the stretch of the fourth, maintaining Eastern's slim lead over the Bengals. EWU had a 20 to 14 scoring advantage in the fourth, while shooting 63.6 percent, completing the 59-56 comeback win.
Eastern finished with a 38.2 shooting percentage.
Eag Notes
- With its 20th win, Eastern has surpassed its win total from last season.
- The Eagles forced 23 turnovers against the Bengals, scoring 24 points. It was the seventh game this season Eastern forced 20 or more turnovers in a game. They committed only 11 turnovers of their own.
- Aaliyah Alexander has now scored in double figures in 21 of the team's 25 games.
- Despite being out-rebounded, Eastern out-scored Idaho St. in the paint, 22-16.
- Jamie Loera led the team with seven rebounds, adding five steals as well. Loera has 17 double digit scoring games this season.
- The game had seven lead changes and five ties.
- Milly Knowles scored eight points and had three rebounds and a block in the game.
Up Next
Eastern continues on the road, traveling to Ogden, Utah to play Weber State on Saturday (Feb. 17) at 1 p.m. Pacific Time.
Join the Eagle Athletic Fund for as low as $50 per year! Support Eagle student-athletes on and off the field while enjoying exclusive EAF perks such as season ticket and tailgating priority, invitations to special events, exclusive access and more. Visit goeags.com/eaf for more information.
ABOUT EASTERN WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS
Eastern Washington University Athletics sponsors 14 intercollegiate sports, six for men and eight for women, both as learning opportunities for its most athletically talented students and as an enhancement to student and community life. Eastern is affiliated with Division I of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) and is a member of the Big Sky Conference, an association of 10 regional schools with comparable enrollments and academic goals.
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