College Place, Wash. – (Release from Eastern Oregon University Athletics) EOU Women’s basketball wrapped up the calendar year with a CCC win over the Walla Walla University Wolves. A dominant double-double performance from Shaelie Burgess helped push the Mounties over the Wolves, 69-59. With the win, the Mountaineers advance to 11-2 on the year and 6-1 in conference play.
The first quarter was a tight one as the lead exchanged hands eight times. A Paulina Quintana free throw for Walla Walla gave the Wolves a one-point lead at the end of the first quarter. The second quarter was the difference maker on the evening for Eastern. A balanced attack led the Mounties to a 22-6 advantage in the second frame to jump out to a 15-point lead at the half. EOU suffocated the Walla Walla attack and went on a 22-0 run before a last second jumper from Walla Walla’s Jaliyah Casem broke up the streak to make it 36-21 at the half.
With the game in control, the Mounties built onto their lead in the third quarter. EOU’s Shaelie Burgess made her presence known scoring 10 points on the offensive side while blocking three shots on defense. After three, Eastern led 55-37. The Wolves gave their best effort at a comeback in the fourth but it was too little, too late. They never came within single digits as the Mounties sealed the victory, 69-59.
Tonight’s win wraps up a four-game road trip as the Mounties return home next weekend. Eastern will take on Northwest University Friday in La Grande. Tipoff is set for 5:30 p.m. in Quinn Coliseum.
