Women's Basketball 3/8/2019 9:14:00 AM Dakota Zellmer, Sport Information Intern EOU Women's Basketball Season Ends in Top-16 of Nationals SIOUX CITY, Iowa – The No. 9 Eastern Oregon women's basketball team ended its incredible season in the second round of he NAIA Championship, falling against No. 7 Indiana Tech 61-57 on Friday morning. Another strong season for the program wrapped up in a close game. The team capped off a year that included its 12th national tournament appearance and third straight, its 11th Cascade Collegiate Conference regular season title and sixth tournament championship. The Mountaineers finished the year with a 29-4 record, extended their home winning streak to 46 games and won their ninth national tournament game in program history. Throughout the course of Friday's game, EOU struggled with holding onto the ball, which allowed Indiana Tech to secure easy fast break points. Eastern Oregon gave up the ball 19 times, which allowed Indiana Tech to score 22 points off turnovers. Despite the errors, the Mounties were able to keep the game close and give themselves a chance until the final moments. In the first half, the Blue and Gold came out energetic and found ways to make easy baskets. The Mountaineers made 3-of-7 three pointers while out rebounding Indiana Tech 21-13 in the half. Towards the end of the first half, the Warriors began to gain momentum, eliminating EOU's nine point lead mid-way through the second quarter. A 16-0 run to end the half for Indiana Tech gave them a seven-point lead heading into the locker room. The Mountaineers were held scoreless over the final 6:30 of the second quarter, resulting in a huge swing in the Warriors' favor. In the second half, Eastern Oregon came out slow allowing Indiana Tech to push ahead with an 11-point lead. Towards the end of the third quarter, the Blue and Gold sense of urgency picked up, giving them a run that they needed to bring the game within reach. The run was initiated by freshman guard Beverly Slater, who hit a few tough shots while drawing fouls, giving EOU a boost in momentum. Slater would go on to finish with 12 points, eight rebounds while shooting a perfect 4-for-4 from the free throw line. With 7:06 left to play in the game, senior guard Maren Herrud stepped in, hitting a tough shot to give EOU its first lead, 52-50, since the mid-way point of the second quarter. Herrud finished with 12 points and three rebounds. When the bench was called upon in the game, it seemed to always find a way to get it done, outscoring Indiana Tech's bench 27-13. Down by three points with 3:58 to play, the Mounties scored just three more points the rest of the way. Despite playing tough defense, they were unable to hit the big shot to tie or take the lead. Senior Maya Ah You Dias, one of the program's greatest players, led the Blue and Gold with 17 points, three rebounds and three assists to end her collegiate career. Senior Julia Hanni had three points and seven rebounds. Junior Jane Nelson added seven points and two boards while junior Andi Warn provided important minutes with three points and four rebounds. Indiana Tech was led by Bella Lozano-Dobbs who scored 13 points and three steals. the Warriors also had the help from Rachel Bell who tallied 11 points and 10 rebounds, while Alexis Hill finished with 10 points, four rebounds, and three steals. The Mountaineers once again finish as a top-16 team in the nation, graduating four seniors in Ah You Dias, Herrud, Hanni and guard Khadija Neumeyer. For more information on Eastern Oregon women's basketball, follow @EOUAthletics or visit eousports.com. FOLLOW EOU ATHLETICS Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube Contact: Iain Dexter; 541-962-3946; idexter@eou.edu