Eastern Washington Women’s Basketball Triumphs Over Montana
The Eastern Washington women’s basketball team achieved a significant win on Saturday, defeating Montana 65-58. This victory marked their first in the Big Sky Conference, bringing their overall record to 8-8 and their conference record to 1-2. Montana, on the other hand, remains winless in the conference at 0-4 and is 3-12 for the season.
Head coach Joddie Gleason expressed pride in her team’s resilience, especially after their recent overtime loss. “Road wins are tough in the Big Sky, and our execution today was fantastic,” she said.
Game Highlights
The Eagles trailed by two points at halftime but powered ahead in the third quarter, outscoring Montana 19-11. They dominated inside the paint, racking up 48 points and securing 49 rebounds throughout the game.
Ella Gallatin led the Eagles with 20 points, shooting an impressive 58.8%. Four players scored in double figures, with Emily McElmurry contributing 13 points off the bench. Gleason highlighted Gallatin’s leadership, noting how she kept the young team focused. McElmurry’s performance in her hometown was also a standout moment.
Eastern struggled early, with Montana initially leading 7-0 and later extending that lead to 13-4. However, the Eagles found their rhythm and went on a 10-0 run to end the second quarter ahead by two, despite finishing with a shooting percentage of just 36.8%.
The Eagles kicked off the third quarter strong, quickly establishing a lead. After some back-and-forth scoring, they finished the quarter leading 45-39, shooting at a 52.9% clip.
In the final quarter, Eastern maintained control, with McElmurry hitting two three-pointers and the Eagles expanding their lead to 14 points. The team shot 46.7% in the fourth, ultimately sealing their 65-58 victory.
Key Player Stats
- Kourtney Grossman achieved a double-double for the second straight game, totaling 11 points and a game-high 17 rebounds.
- Gallatin now has four career games with 20 or more points, two of which have come this season.
- The Eagles drastically improved their ball security, committing only six turnovers after a season-high of 28 in their previous game.
Eastern heads back to Reese Court next week, ready to host Weber State and Idaho State.
Looking Ahead
The Eagles are focused on building momentum with their recent win. With strong performances from players like Gallatin and McElmurry, they aim to continue climbing the standings in the Big Sky Conference. As fans rally behind the team, the excitement for the remainder of the season grows.
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This narrative highlights the Eagles’ journey and resilience, showcasing their potential moving forward in the season.
