La Grande, Ore. – The Eastern Oregon University women’s basketball team held off a comeback by Whitworth to defeat the Pirates 76-61.
The Mountaineers (11-2, 2-0 CCC) were led by Brooke Randall with 20 points, 3 rebounds and 3 assist. Jorie Freeman had an outstanding game as she recorded a double-double with 14 points and 11 rebounds.
Emily Guthrie led the Pirates(7-3) with 10 points and 2 rebounds. Teammate Katara Belton-Sharp added 9 points and 1 rebound.
Eastern shot a high percentage in the first half shooting 15-of-25 (60%) from the field and 2-of-6 from behind the arc. The Pirates were just 11-of-29 (37%) from the field and 4-of-12 from behind the arc.
In the second half Eastern would get off to a slow start. The Mountaineers saw their 7 point lead decrease to 3 within minutes. Midway through the half Eastern would go on a run and increase their lead to double digits with a basket by Freeman assisted by Tina Miller.
The Pirates wouldn’t go away as they went on a run of their own closing the game within 4 points. Eastern would end the game outscoring the Pirates 18-7 in the last seven minutes.
The Mountaineers shot 32-of-57 (56%) for the game while the Pirates shot 21-of-56 (37%). Eastern outscored Whitworth in the paint 50-14 and outrebounded them 36-29.
Eastern will play at Southern Oregon Dec. 14, game time is set for 5:30 p.m. Live stats and video will be available at EOUsports.com.