Eagles fall after fourth quarter rally by Idaho
MIKE MAYNARD | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 4 months AGO
The Eagles’ Ella Gallatin (2) shoots a contested shot over a Northern Arizona defender during their game earlier this season. The Eagles suffered a loss to the Idaho Vandals 75-64 in their regular season finale.
COURTESY PHOTO/BRIDGET MAYFIELD/EWU ATHLETICS
CHENEY — After a competitive first half, the Vandals were able to run away with the game 75-64, as they stunted any momentum Eastern Washington (14-17) built. Despite the loss, Head Coach Joddie Gleason felt her team played hard, according to a statement by EWU Athletics.
“These were two good teams that battled tonight, and the conference champs took control in the fourth to secure the win,” Gleason said. “Ella Gallatin was absolutely amazing tonight and helped propel us into the lead at halftime. Unfortunately, we couldn't keep them off the glass to start the game and then again in the pivotal moments in the fourth. We didn't match their physicality, or we had the chance to steal the game in Moscow.”
The Eagles had a slight lead at halftime, but Idaho tied the score in the third. The Vandals then asserted themselves in the fourth with their best offensive quarter, outscoring the Eagles by 10 and securing the home win and the conference title.
Ella Gallatin matched her career-best with a game-high 26 points, shooting 9-for-20, along with a 4-for-9 mark from three-point range. Kourtney Grossman added to her double-double total, finishing with 15 points and a game-high 17 rebounds.
Gallatin posted her eighth 20-point game of the season and has 10 total for her career. It's also her 27th double-digit scoring game this season. Gallatin also led the team with 4 assists.
Eastern made at least 10 three-point field goals. It was the fifth game this season EWU has made 10+ field goals.
Kourtney Grossman tallied her 20th double-double of the season. She was in double figures for scoring for the 26th time this season and rebounding for the 23rd time.
Idaho grabbed 52 rebounds, holding a 7-rebound advantage over Eastern. The Vandals out-scored the Eagles in the paint 42 to 22. With the win, the Vandals tied the school record of 15 consecutive wins in the NCAA era. The Vandals snapped the previous program record for most conference wins in a season (16, 2018-19) and tied the 2004-05 Vandals for most home wins in a season (14), according to Idaho Athletics.
Elyn Bowers notched her 26th game double-digit scoring game. Bowers had 8 rebounds in the game, 1 shy of her career-best.
With this loss, the Eagles are the sixth seed in the Big Sky Conference Tournament. They travel to Boise on Monday to play Northern Colorado at 1:30 p.m.
“We look forward to a much needed rest after three games in five days. We'll regroup and get ready for Boise,” Gleason said.
BOX SCORE:
EWU: 19-19-8-18: 64
UI: 18-16-12-29: 75
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