CALDWELL, Idaho – In a hard-fought back and forth contest, the Eastern Oregon University Women’s Basketball team prevailed, defeating The Master’s University (Calif.) in a close 66-58 win.
The matchup featured steady momentum swings throughout. Eastern Oregon opened strong with a 20–15 edge in the first quarter, but the Mustangs responded by winning the second quarter 14–9 to tie the game up heading into halftime. The two teams continued to trade blows in the third, with EOU narrowly outscored 15–14. Ultimately, the Mountaineers sealed the game with a dominant 23–14 fourth quarter, fueled by tough interior play and an ability to consistently draw contact and get to the free-throw line. Their persistence in the paint and ability to capitalize on mistakes proved to be the separating factor down the stretch.
Reigha Niemeyer paced Eastern Oregon with a team-high 12 points while adding three rebounds and two steals. Brinley Hagemeier delivered one of the most well-rounded performances of the afternoon, posting 11 points, five rebounds, two assists, and two steals. Her aggressive attacking style paid off, as she drew a team-high six fouls and converted all six of her free-throw attempts. Kaiea Waiwaiole also finished with 11 points on an efficient 5-of-6 shooting to go along with three boards and an assist. Maggie Smith contributed a strong all-around outing as well, tallying nine points, six rebounds, and four assists.
Statistically, Eastern Oregon held the edge in several key areas that ultimately shaped the outcome. The Mounties shot more efficiently across the board—44.2% from the field, 37.5% from three, and 77.8% at the free-throw line—while The Master’s finished at 38.9% overall, 36.8% from beyond the arc, and 64.3% at the stripe. EOU turned Mustang mistakes into 21 points compared to the 12 points The Master’s generated off Mountie turnovers, and Eastern’s 12 second-chance points narrowly topped the Mustangs’ 11. Inside play also favored the Mounties, who scored 26 points in the paint, slightly edging Master’s total of 20. Bench production provided another boost, with EOU’s reserves contributing 21 points, helping create the statistical separation needed to close out the win.
The Mounties will be back in action next Friday for the continuation of the Best Western Caldwell Inn and Suites Classic. They will face Arizona Christian University on Friday, Nov. 28 at 3:00 p.m. MT, followed by a matchup against Embry-Riddle on Saturday, Nov. 29 at 5:00 p.m. MT.